There could be national protests after claims a young Aboriginal inmate has been left "left brain-dead" following a brawl with prison guards at a South Australian jail.
The prisoner, named in media reports as 29-year-old Wayne Morrison, is fighting for life in the Royal Adelaide Hospital in the wake of the alleged altercation that also injured 5 Yatala Labour Prison guards.
The injured man's family has pledged to fight for justice for the young father and artist, including calling for national protests, according to the Adelaide Advertiser.
Correctional Services has reportedly defended the guards' actions, saying the steps taken were necessary to bring a dangerous situation under control.
On Saturday, it was reported the inmate was taken to hospital in a serious condition after the alleged assault that also injured 5 guards. All of the guards have since been released from hospital.
South Australian Department of Correctional Services chief executive David Brown told media the prisoner was waiting to appear in court via video link when the incident occurred at the high-security facility.
"This is clearly a very serious incident," Brown said at the time.
"I personally and the officers of my department understand and take very seriously our responsibility where a use of force is required to bring a dangerous situation under control.
"I would also like to pass on my thoughts to the family of the prisoner who is now in a serious condition in hospital."
Brown said the prisoner was "brought under control" and then a medical incident occurred.