Deadly Christmas: 33 Lives Lost in Prison Riot

A violent riot at a maximum-security prison in Maputo, Mozambique, claimed the lives of 33 people and left 15 others injured on Christmas Day, authorities confirmed.

The unrest reportedly began within the prison walls and escalated, with conflicting accounts over its cause. While Police General Commander Bernadino Rafael attributed the riot to external protests near the prison, Justice Minister Helena Kida dismissed this claim, stating the disturbance started inside the facility.

During the chaos, approximately 1,530 inmates escaped, with only 150 recaptured so far.

The incident occurs amid growing civil unrest in the country, linked to October’s disputed elections.

Details about the identities of those killed and injured remain unclear as authorities continue their investigation.