NAIROBI, Kenya— Smoke rising from burning mattresses, prisoners gathered on rooftops and chants of “No more torture” echoing through a detention centre have placed Venezuela’s prison system back under intense scrutiny.
Even after authorities removed the prison director accused of overseeing abuse, tensions at the Barinas Judicial Detention Center showed little sign of easing Monday as inmates continued their uprising.
The unrest began Sunday when hundreds of prisoners at the facility in western Venezuela took control of parts of the prison while alleging torture, beatings and violent treatment by authorities. Inmates burned mattresses and sheets as protesters occupied rooftops holding banners calling for help.
Prison director removed amid abuse allegations
Authorities dismissed prison director Elvis Macuare Guerrero after the unrest intensified, according to reports. His removal came after accusations from prisoners and rights groups that a harsh regime had been introduced shortly after his appointment.
The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP), a human rights group monitoring prison conditions, alleged that prisoners were subjected to beatings, violent searches and destruction of personal belongings. Some reports also alleged inmates were shot at during protests and that several people were injured.
Maria Eugenia Duran, whose husband has spent four years in prison, said inmates rebelled after enduring repeated abuse.
Families outside the facility also expressed fear and frustration as prisoner transfers began.
Families seek answers as inmates are transferred
Dozens of prisoners were moved to other detention facilities on Monday, including more than 100 women, according to the OVP. Relatives gathered outside the prison demanding information on where inmates were being taken and seeking assurances about their treatment.
A military official at the scene reportedly told families that inmates had the option to remain or transfer voluntarily.
Images from the prison showed groups of prisoners still gathered on rooftops while mediators attempted to negotiate an end to the standoff.
Venezuela’s prison system faces renewed scrutiny
The uprising is unfolding against a backdrop of longstanding criticism of Venezuela’s prison conditions.
Human rights activists have for years raised concerns over prison overcrowding, shortages of food, limited access to medical care and allegations of systemic abuse inside detention facilities.
The incident also follows recent unrest in the country’s prison network, including deadly violence reported earlier this year at the high-security Yare III prison. Questions surrounding prison reform and detainee treatment have intensified amid broader political and judicial changes taking place in Venezuela.
For now, authorities appear focused on restoring control at Barinas. But with prisoners continuing to protest and families still searching for answers, the crisis has once again pushed conditions inside Venezuela’s prison system into public view.
