Venezuelan prison deaths reach 8,192 over 15 years

The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP) has reported that 8,192 detainees have died in Venezuelan prisons over the last 15 years. The NGO criticized the management of the penitentiary system, noting that despite the creation of a specialized Ministry of Penitentiary Affairs, systemic issues persist.

In a specific recent case, the OVP denounced the death of 44-year-old César Enrique Ostos Patiño at the Fénix Lara Penitentiary Center. Ostos Patiño, who was a renal patient requiring dialysis, contracted hepatitis while in custody. He passed away on August 19 while receiving treatment at the Pastor Oropeza Social Security hospital.

The OVP is calling for an investigation into whether sanitary protocols were followed, the quality of medical follow-up provided within the prison, and whether judicial authorities were aware of his deteriorating health. The organization emphasized that the state is responsible for providing essential medical care to those in its custody.