Venezuelan Prison Riot Erupts as Inmates Denounce Torture, Demand Officials’ Dismissal

A massive protest has erupted at the Internado Judicial de Barinas (INJUBA), a prison in Venezuela, where hundreds of inmates have initiated a riot to denounce alleged torture and demand the dismissal of prison officials. Images of the protest, disseminated by the Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP), show inmates on the prison roofs, faces covered, burning mattresses, and generating a dense cloud of black smoke.

The protest, involving approximately 1,200 men and over 100 women, according to the OVP, began as a demand against alleged torture and punishments they claim to be enduring. The inmates have hung banners with pleas for help, including “SOS,” “They torture us,” and “No more torture,” invoking articles of the Venezuelan Constitution.

Inmate Demands

The incarcerated individuals are demanding the immediate dismissal of the Minister of Penitentiary Services, Julio García Zerpa, and the director of INJUBA, Elvis Macuare Guerrero. They directly accuse them of alleged corruption and mistreatment within the institution. The inmates describe their demonstration as a “peaceful strike,” but the situation has generated significant tension and the mobilization of numerous security forces and military personnel around the prison.

Critical Situation and Previous Denuncias

The Venezuelan Prison Observatory has been a consistent voice in denouncing prison conditions in Venezuela. According to OVP reports, at least 120 prisoners are allegedly being punished in isolation cells, adding to previous alerts about “unconsulted transfers and prolonged isolation.” The organization has urged judicial authorities and competent bodies to take urgent measures to guarantee the lives and human rights of the inmates.

The OVP has criticized the apparent inaction of the Ministry of Penitentiary Services, noting that reports of mistreatment have gone unaddressed for over a week, with allegations of gunfire and the use of tear gas against inmates. The organization questions the absence of authorities from the Ombudsman’s office and execution judges, whose role is to ensure respect for human rights within the penitentiary system.

Human Rights Context

The situation at INJUBA is part of a broader context of denunciations regarding the precarious conditions in Venezuelan prisons, which include overcrowding, inadequate food supply, lack of medical attention, and procedural delays. Human rights activists have repeatedly warned about these issues. As of yet, authorities from Delcy Rodríguez’s government have not issued an official statement regarding the video footage of the demonstration or the inmates’ demands.

The dissemination of these videos and the OVP’s reports highlight the urgent need for intervention by the relevant bodies to clarify the events and ensure the respect for the fundamental rights of individuals deprived of liberty in Venezuela.

Key Facts

Internado Judicial de Barinas (INJUBA)
Location: Barinas, Venezuela
Reason for protest: Denunciation of torture and demand for dismissal of officials.
Organization disseminating images: Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP).

What Remains Unclear

While the OVP has provided significant details and video evidence, the official response from the Venezuelan government and the Ministry of Penitentiary Services regarding the specific allegations of torture and corruption has not yet been detailed. The exact number of prisoners affected by isolation or other forms of punishment also remains to be fully clarified by independent bodies.

Prison Conditions in Venezuela

• Overcrowding: A persistent issue in Venezuelan prisons, leading to strain on resources and increased tensions. | Human Rights Activists (General Context)
• Food Supply: Reported as inadequate, contributing to inmate dissatisfaction and unrest. | OVP reports, Human Rights Activists
• Medical Attention: Lack of sufficient medical care is a recurring complaint within the Venezuelan penal system. | OVP reports, Human Rights Activists
• Procedural Delays: Slow judicial processes contribute to prolonged pre-trial detention and general discontent. | Human Rights Activists (General Context)
• Alleged Torture: Specific claims of torture and mistreatment are at the core of the current INJUBA protest. | OVP, Inmate Protests (as reported)

The current situation at INJUBA underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Venezuelan penal system. The inmates’ demands for accountability and an end to alleged torture highlight systemic issues that have been documented by human rights organizations for years. The mobilization of security forces suggests a tense standoff, and the lack of an immediate official government statement leaves room for speculation about the authorities’ approach to resolving the crisis and addressing the underlying human rights concerns. Readers should not assume that the protest will lead to immediate reforms, as similar denunciations have historically faced slow progress in the Venezuelan context.

Source: Clarin Deportes, https://www.clarin.com/mundo/videos-muestran-dentro-motin-carcel-venezuela_0_iUpbIpDVtT.html