Two guards have been taken hostage by prisoners in this Brazilian cellblock.

Their ransom: better living conditions for the prisoners in the overcrowded jail.

Rioting broke out on Sunday as the inmates were being served breakfast. Two prisoners were decapitated, and another two were thrown off the roof.

Jairo Ferreira Filho, a lawyer representing the prisoners, says conditions inside the facility are desperate.

(SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) LAWYER REPRESENTING THE PRISONERS, JAIRO FERREIRA FILHO, SAYING:

"When this rebellion started, there were nine prison officers working and serving breakfast to 1,040 inmates. Initially, there were 960 inmates and 225 prison officers. The precariousness has been surpassed."

Dozens of prisoners, facing threats from riot leaders, have been transported to nearby prisons.

Authorities have been called in to protect the surrounding areas as they try to find a way to regain control of the prison.