Venezuelan prison observatory reports health crisis and deaths

The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP) has reported a severe humanitarian crisis within the country's detention centers, citing a lack of medical attention for inmates with serious illnesses.

In Acarigua, Portuguesa state, the OVP reported that 28 women held at the Criminal Investigations Directorate (DIP) of the Bolivarian National Police are facing critical health issues without specialized care. Detainees reportedly suffer from conditions such as lupus, adrenal endocrinopathy, diabetes, and hypertension. The organization also documented an alleged extortion scheme where families must pay weekly fees for basic benefits and additional charges for medical supplies or court transfers.

Furthermore, the OVP confirmed the deaths of two detainees due to untreated illnesses. Rendy Ramón Ladera Araujo died in San Cristóbal, Táchira, from leukemia, and Ildelfonzo Gil passed away in Puerto Ordaz, Bolívar, from advanced facial cancer. In the case of Gil, the OVP noted that a humanitarian measure was only issued by a court after his death. The organization highlighted extreme overcrowding in facilities, such as the Guaiparo cells, which hold approximately 850 detainees despite a designed capacity of 100.