Venezuelan Prison Death Toll Rises to 26 Amid Claims of Inadequate Medical Care

The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP) reported 26 deaths in the country's prisons between April and June 2024, without distinguishing between political and common detainees. The most recent death was that of Fabiana Desirée Páez Fernández, who died at La Crisálida women's prison in Miranda from respiratory failure and other health issues, allegedly without receiving comprehensive medical attention.

OVP said this is the first death at La Crisálida since the facility opened in 2018 and highlighted "inadequate conditions of confinement" that affect both political and social prisoners. The NGO noted that, according to its 2025 annual report, a total of 181 inmates died in Venezuelan prisons that year, with at least 151 lacking the required health care. OVP is demanding urgent specialized medical care for the approximately 320 women held at La Crisálida to prevent further fatalities.