Inmates End Uprising, Free Hostages

Hundreds of inmates who took over a prison to protest alleged beatings ended a four-day uprising Thursday, releasing 35 hostages after being promised that abuses would be investigated.

About 700 inmates, armed with makeshift knives, clubs and iron bars, had seized control Sunday of the Tremembe prison complex, 84 miles northeast of Sao Paulo. Three children and 25 relatives of inmates were among the hostages taken during visiting hours.

The inmates released two prison guards on Wednesday and freed 35 others on Thursday.