Inmates Seize Prison, Hold Eight Hostages

Inmates armed with glass shards and knives on Tuesday seized an Athens prison that holds 1,400 convicts, and took eight employees hostage, police said.

Riot police surrounded Kordallos prison, but Justice Ministry general-secretary Giorgos Pavleas said they probably wouldn’t intervene.

“We are negotiating for the release of the hostages, who have not been harmed so far,” Pavleas said. There was no immediate word on the prisoners’ demands.

Police spokesmen said the hostages were five guards, the prison psychiatrist and another medical worker. Officials at the site said there was another hostage, but didn’t give further details.

Two inmates were taken to a nearby hospital, one an apparent drug overdose and another stabbed in a fight, officials said.

Korydallos is Greece’s largest prison.