Venezuela political prisoners face abandonment and unsafe jails after June earthquakes

Human‑rights NGOs in Venezuela have called for the immediate release of the roughly 372 political prisoners still detained after the twin earthquakes of June 24, 2026. Foro Penal’s vice‑president Gonzalo Himiob said, “372 presos políticos permanecen arbitrariamente tras las rejas,” urging that the announced releases be re‑activated amid the humanitarian emergency.

The NGOs also warned that prison infrastructure has been severely compromised. The Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners (Clippve) reported fractured columns and damaged cement beds at El Rodeo I, and families of detainees said walls collapsed at Ramo Verde, leaving inmates in dangerous conditions. Despite these risks, authorities have kept the prisoners confined. Families described abandonment, lack of food, and psychological distress, stating, “Los están dejando abandonados.” The Venezuelan government has not yet issued an official assessment of the prison situation.

The situation highlights the broader impact of the earthquakes, which have killed at least 3,685 people and left thousands homeless, while political detainees remain trapped in deteriorating facilities.