Inmates of the Camp Street Prison on Wednesday night set ablaze their mattresses at the penitentiary during protest clamouring for their freedom and better living conditions.

Upon arrival at the scene, the Guyana Chronicle saw firefighters battling to contain the fire as the disgruntled prisoners shouted “We want we freedom.” Inmates ensconced at the prison have in

the past routinely set ablaze their mattresses and also staged ‘roof top’ protests for various reasons, inclusive of poor living conditions and lack of proper meals.

Shouting and shaking bars, the prisoners ranted, “we want justice! we want freedom.” Police later backed up their colleagues in the Fire Service and contained the fire and quieted the restless prisoners.

Speaking to Guyana Chronicle a policeman at the scene disclosed that the uproar started at around 21:00 hrs. Asked what might have caused the uproar, the officer was unable to disclose, but noted that the matter is currently under investigation.