The Eastern Equatoria government has claimed that prison officers were acting in self-defense when they opened fire and killed seven prisoners during a protest last week at Kapoeta North jail.

State Minister for Information Mark Akio confirmed that organized forces of the interior killed seven prisoners and wounded four others while the prisoners were protesting over the lack of food in the jail.

“The prisoners broke windows and doors, but remained the main gate. So when the police wardens came they were attacked by the prisoners,” he said, stating that the prison officer in charge and 37 other soldiers were wounded.

Mark said the prisoners have been given food.