Venezuelan prison deaths prompt OVP investigation of Carabobo facility

The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP) reported two consecutive deaths of inmates at the Centro de Formación Hombre Nuevo El Libertador in Tocuyito, Carabobo. Ángel Gabriel Hurtado Fuentes died after being transferred to Hospital Central Dr. Enrique Tejera with cardiovascular complications, and a day earlier Ramón Alexis Franco died from a suspected cardiorespiratory arrest after a similar transfer.

OVP highlighted serious concerns about medical care, noting that the prison, built for about 1,100 inmates, now holds over 2,300, exceeding 200% capacity. The organization called for transparent information from the Ministry of Prison Services, an independent investigation into the deaths, and urgent measures to reduce overcrowding and ensure timely health care for detainees.