More than 1,500 prisoners escaped from a Maputo prison Wednesday, taking advantage of the third day of unrest triggered by the controversial confirmation of the long-ruling Frelimo party as the winner of recent elections.

At least 1,534 prisoners escaped Wednesday from a prison near Mozambique’s capital in a premeditated act linked to post-election protests, local media reported.

Mozambique is experiencing escalating civil unrest linked to October’s disputed election, which extended long-ruling party Frelimo’s stay in power. Opposition groups and their supporters claim the vote was rigged.

At least 33 people died and over a dozen sustained injuries in a prison riot in Mozambique 's capital as civil unrest over October's disputed election continued on Christmas Day.

No fewer than 1,500 prisoners escaped from a Maputo prison on Wednesday, taking advantage of the third day of unrest, which was sparked by the controversial confirmation of the long-ruling Frelimo party as the winner of recent elections.