The death toll due to riots at Argentina's Santiago del Estero jail has risen to 32, with 30 injured, police said on Monday.

Sergio Lamberti, a priest who represents the families of convicts at the prison, told media on Monday that the number of dead was in fact 39, including at least one guard.



Clashes began at the jail, 1,300 kilometers north of Buenos Aires, immediately after visiting hours on Sunday night when prisoners began burning mattresses, sheets and furniture, authorities said. Many have died of burns and smoke inhalation, they added.

Police used force to disperse prisoners' relatives who had gathered outside, and are now surrounding the jail, with sharpshooters targeting windows that are still belching smoke.

Judge Ramon Tarquini Saavedera is leading negotiations with the prisoners, who have control of landings three and five, while the rest of the jail is calm, said local police chief, Alberto Ibanez. Tarquini is also investigating why no measures were taken to prevent the riot.

Press reports said that the prisoners are demanding better conditions and reduced sentences.

Rescue workers have taken the injured to the Ramon Carrillo Hospital in Santiago, the capital of Santiago del Estero Province. Authorities did not say if these were guards or convicts.

Justice Minister Alberto Iribarne publicly stated the nation's condolences to relatives of the dead.

According to human rights organizations, 70 percent of Argentina's prisoners lack a proper sentence: either on remand, have not received a sentence, or have cases in appeal. This slow handling of cases has led to prison overcrowding and conflict.

In October 2005, Magdalena Prison, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, experienced a riot that killed 33.