BELGRADE, March 13 (RIA Novosti) - A convict escaped from jail in the Serbian capital of Belgrade several hours before he was due to be released, the Beta news agency said on Thursday, citing the country's justice ministry.

Almir Ibisi, who was serving an eight-month jail term for illegally keeping arms and explosive devices, climbed a wall in a Belgrade District Prison yard and disappeared.

Two other inmates, who were to be released on March 20 and April 15, followed his example, but were later captured.

The search for Ibisi is still under way, however.