Argentina Inmates End Prison Uprising

Inmates freed a judge and 16 other hostages on Sunday, ending an eight-day prison uprising that sparked copycat rebellions at penitentiaries across Argentina.

The hostages, including Criminal Court Judge Maria Malere, her secretary and at least 12 guards, filed out of Sierra Chica Prison, 250 miles south of Buenos Aires, to the applause of those waiting outside.

The hostages, seized March 30 when more than 1,000 inmates rose up after guards blocked an escape attempt, were unharmed, authorities said.