Langkat (ANTARA) - A violent protest erupted in Langkat Prison, North Sumatra, after a prison inmate was caught with methamphetamine in his possession, Head of the Correctional Division of North Sumatra's Legal and Justice Office Jahari Sitepu clarified.

After the drug was found, the warden summoned the inmate to his office, Sitepu revealed here on Friday without divulging other details on the identity of the prisoner.

However, the prisoner resisted the officers' attempts to arrest him and attacked them.

"The other inmates joined in the protest, further fueling it by breaking down the door and fleeing to the front section of the prison," he remarked.

Earlier on late Thursday, furious inmates set the Langkat Prison ablaze.

Several hundred inmates escaped the prison after the violent protest broke out. Some motorcycle, three cars, and an ambulance parked at the location were also burnt down in the fire.

Translator: Nur Apriliana, Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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