Prisoner dies in Zulia due to lack of medical care

The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP) has reported the death of 68-year-old Jaime Alirio Vásquez Saldarriaga while in custody at the Centro de Formación Hombre Nuevo Francisco Delgado in Zulia state. According to the NGO, Vásquez Saldarriaga suffered from HIV and liver cirrhosis, conditions that required priority medical treatment that was allegedly not provided.

The facility, formerly known as the El Marite detention center, is currently facing severe overcrowding. While designed for a maximum capacity of 659 people, it is reportedly housing more than 1,100 inmates, representing an overcrowding rate of over 66.9%. Human rights defenders and family members have previously cited poor nutrition, lack of essential medicines, and inhumane living conditions within the prison.

The OVP has criticized the Public Ministry and the Ombudsman's Office for failing to investigate the death, and has accused the Ministry for Penitentiary Service of evading its responsibility to protect the health and lives of those in custody.