Venezuelan Prison Observatory demands probe into three female inmate deaths

The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP) has called for an impartial investigation following the deaths of three women in various penitentiary centers during September.

The deceased have been identified as Carmen Rodríguez, 66, who died of a myocardial infarction in Carabobo; Tomasa Sánchez, 72, who suffered cardiorespiratory arrest in Táchira; and Eleiner Sánchez, a former prison official and political prisoner, who died in Miranda due to a severe intestinal obstruction.

The OVP reported that Eleiner Sánchez had requested medical transfer several days prior to her death, but these requests were allegedly ignored until her condition became critical. The organization stated that her death might have been preventable and urged the Ministry for Penitentiary Service to ensure timely and adequate medical care for all women in custody.