Nineteen prisoners attempt group suicide in Russia

The incident took place around 6 p.m. Monday. The prisoners used disposable razors to cut their veins.

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"All convicts received medical treatment and their lives are not in danger," the authorities said. "Security in prison has been tightened and the situation is under control."

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A team of investigators, led by Yakutia's deputy chief prosecutor Boris Samoilenko, will investigate the incident and check for possible violations of inmates' rights by prison authorities.

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Harsh conditions in Russian prisons have been subject of criticism by domestic and foreign human rights organisations and officials for years.

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The US Department of State country reports on Human Rights Practices for 2011 says, "the conditions of prisons (in Russia) constituted a major violation of the human rights of many prisoners, who were subjected to poor medical care, lack of basic human needs, and abuse by prison officials."

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Russian authorities deny these accusations as "groundless".

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