Inmate death reported at Anzoátegui prison in Venezuela

The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP) has reported the death of an inmate, Sergio Gabriel Ascanio, at the Centro Penitenciario Agroproductivo Barcelona in Anzoátegui state. The organization stated the death, which occurred over the weekend, was linked to health issues and a lack of adequate medical attention.

This marks the second recent death at the facility; on July 27, Luis Felipe Moreno Moreno died following health complications. The OVP highlighted critical overcrowding at the center, noting it currently houses approximately 1,400 inmates despite a designed capacity of only 560, representing a 150% overcrowding rate.

The organization warned that such conditions accelerate the deterioration of fundamental rights, impacting health, nutrition, and security. The OVP has called on the Public Ministry and the Ombudsman's Office to investigate these deaths and ensure the rights to life and health for those in state custody.