Up to 40 prisoners escape from East Timor jail

About 40 prisoners escaped from a jail in East Timor today, officials said, adding to security concerns in the tiny nation as it prepares for elections following political turmoil and violence last year.

Among those who broke out from the prison in the capital, Dili, were people arrested during the unrest in May that killed at least 30 people and led to the downfall of the prime minister, said prison guard Januario de Oliveira.