At least two men were killed in violent clashes Thursday outside one of Indonesia’s most notorious prisons, police said, after a vicious brawl broke out between rival gangs.
The feud was sparked by clashes inside Kerobokan prison, a high-security facility housing many foreigners on Bali island, when members of the two warring gangs arrived at the jail in a show of solidarity for members inside.
Riot police swarmed the prison but the gangsters outside the gates — described by some witnesses as carrying samurai swords and sharp knives — continued brawling in the street.
“Two victims were killed here,” Bali deputy police chief Brigadier General Nyoman Suryasta told reporters, declining to elaborate on reports of further deaths.
Unconfirmed reports said a third victim was reportedly killed in the violence inside the prison, with others injured and taken to hospital.
Denpasar Police Chief Commissioner Anak Agung Sudana called for patience as investigations were carried out.
It is understood the victims were all Indonesian and no foreign prisoners were injured.
British grandmother Linsday Sandiford, who was sentenced to death for drug smuggling, is awaiting the firing squad in Kerobokan while members of the “Bali Nine” narcotics ring are also housed in the notorious jail.
Witnesses described dozens of gang members — believed to be from the island’s two largest criminal organisations — descending on the prison and demanding entry before engaging in bloody clashes.
“He (one of the men) was slaughtered right here,” Dana, who witnessed the violence firsthand on the street, told AFP.
Commissioner Sudana deplored the violence, and expressed regret it had occurred on Indonesia’s most popular holiday island.
“We regret there were aftershocks outside the prison that led to fatalities,” he said.
“Frankly we do not want this.”
Bali is a very popular holiday destination with foreigners drawn to its palm-fringed beaches and heaving nightlife.
—AFP
