Two investigations are underway into a New Year’s Day prison riot in Britain after inmates went on a rampage to protest a clampdown on “illegal drinking” within the walls. Damage from fires set by the inmates was put at more than $4.5 million. –JCL

The Guardian:

Two separate investigations will be held into the New Year’s Day riot at Ford open prison where balaclava-clad inmates torched buildings in protest at a clampdown on illegal drinking.

The prisons minister, Crispin Blunt, confirmed today there would be an internal Prison Service inquiry and a police inquiry into the violence, which is estimated to have caused about £3m damage.

Twenty-three inmates have been dispersed to secure prisons across the country after accommodation blocks, a gymnasium, a mail room and recreation room with 10 newly installed pool tables were destroyed in the blaze.

Read more

 Wait, before you go…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

Support Truthdig