Venezuela: Four elderly inmates die in state custody

The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP) reported the deaths of four inmates aged 60 or older while in state custody between September 19 and September 30. The deaths, attributed to cardiac and respiratory complications, occurred across various facilities due to a lack of timely medical assistance.

The deceased individuals include Carmen Rodríguez (66) in Tocuyito, Carabobo; Tomasa Sánchez (72) in Táchira; César López (68) in Guárico; and Hermes Carrero (63) in Barinas. The OVP noted that Carrero’s death occurred just five days after a Presidential Commission visited the Barinas Judicial Internment (Injuba) to evaluate prison infrastructure and inmate conditions.

The organization questioned the effectiveness of these official visits, asking whether medical histories and the health needs of elderly or chronically ill prisoners were actually being reviewed. The OVP emphasized that Venezuelan law recognizes the specific needs of elderly inmates, yet the recent fatalities highlight a continuing healthcare crisis within the prison system.