Nine inmates died in Peru during a riot sparked by coronavirus fears in an overcrowded jail in the Peruvian capital of Lima, according to the country's prison service.

As of Wednesday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has now surpassed 31,000 in Peru with at least 854 deaths.

Inmates held up banners demanding to be set free after knowing at least one prisoner reportedly died from COVID-19. 

But the calls for better medical care and personal protective equipment spilled into vandalism and violence.

Rioting also broke out in other prisons around the country. 

Peru's government said last week humanitarian pardons would be granted for vulnerable prisoners.

The country's prison service reported more than 600 COVID-19 cases among inmates and 13 deaths in the country's overcrowded jails.

Check out The China Report, our new weekly newsletter. Subscribe here!