Santo Domingo - Some 400 inmates took 43 nuns hostage, then freed them after authorities promised to improve conditions in Puerto Plata prison in the Domincan Republic.
Talks between prisoner representatives and a high-level prosecutor, Puerta Plata's provincial governor, a Catholic bishop and members of the press ended the standoff, defusing fears of a large-scale tragedy.
The 43 nuns travel to the jail 240 kilometers north of here each Saturday to offer spiritual guidance. The prisoners were demanding new cellblocks, better drinking water, and the sacking of the jail's police chiefs and civilian administrators.