Argentine prisoners go on hunger strike to watch Leo Messi play in Russia

The nine inmates also filed a legal suit to assert their rights

Argentina's Lionel Messi waves before the start of a Copa America Centenario Group A soccer match between Argentina and Chile at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif
Argentina's Lionel Messi waves before the start of a Copa America Centenario Group A soccer match between Argentina and Chile at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif
AFP | PTI Buenos Aires
Last Updated : Jun 13 2018 | 6:04 PM IST

Inmates in an Argentine prison have begun a hunger strike to press authorities to repair the cable TV system so they can watch the World Cup.

"Cable television is an indispensable right for everyone deprived of their liberty," according to a statement from nine inmates at Puerto Madryn jail some 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) south of Buenos Aires.

"It hasn't been working for three days. And we have decided not to receive any food until the problem is resolved," the prisoners wrote.

The nine inmates also filed a legal suit to assert their rights. The cable system, located in a common area of the jail, was damaged recently and not repaired.

Argentina face Iceland on Saturday in Moscow in their first match of the World Cup. The tournament kicks off when hosts Russia play Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jun 13 2018 | 6:00 PM IST

Next Story