Eight inmates reported after Mandal prison riot

Mandal prison has reported eight inmates to police following a riot on 13 July, according to Fædrelandsvennen.

Staff were forced to retreat after inmates threw glasses and mugs at them, a report from Agder prison states. The inmates also covered windows and surveillance cameras with newspaper to block visibility.

Two large windows were smashed during the unrest, prompting fears of escape attempts. Inmates threw large quantities of furniture and belongings out of the windows, and staff monitored the area outside for potential breakouts. Police were called in and regained control after several hours.

No serious injuries were reported, but an entire residential unit was left uninhabitable. Of the 24 staff on duty, 14 were untrained temporary workers, a fact that has drawn criticism from union representatives.

Prison director Rolf Velle acknowledged the incident occurred during a challenging period of holiday staffing but maintained that Agder prison remains a safe workplace.