Human Rights Group Reports Prison Protest in Venezuela Over Abuse Claims

The Venezuelan NGO, Observatorio Venezolano de Prisiones (OVP), reported a significant protest at the Internado Judicial de Barinas, where around 1,300 inmates are on hunger strike demanding respect for their rights. The protest is in response to allegations of mistreatment, including beatings and torture, following the appointment of a new prison director. During the peaceful demonstration, guards allegedly fired on the inmates, resulting in injuries. Families of the prisoners are reportedly outside the facility seeking information, while at least 120 inmates are being punished through isolation. Another NGO, Provea, has called for an investigation into these claims and highlighted a troubling trend of torture cases in Venezuelan prisons.

Key Details: • Approximately 1,200 men and over 100 women are participating in the protest. • The protest began after allegations of abuse following a new director's arrival. • Families are gathering outside the prison seeking updates on their loved ones. • Provea has documented 634 cases of torture in Venezuelan prisons in 2025.