The World - News from March 30, 1989

The Guatemalan government promised to replace the warden and all guards at a besieged prison and work to reform prisons nationwide if armed inmates surrender and set hostages free. The proposal was an attempt to end a four-day-old uprising and free hundreds of inmates and family members in the compound at the Pavon prison farm, about 15 miles east of Guatemala City. Earlier, authorities cut off water and power to try to end the mutiny by prisoners demanding reduced sentences, better food and treatment and replacement of the warden. About 110 prisoners who took no part in the rebellion escaped and were transferred to other institutions.