Tuesday, May 26, 2026- Hundreds of inmates at the Barinas Judicial Detention Center in western Venezuela took control of parts of the prison Sunday after accusing guards and officials of torture, abuse, and violent repression.
Dramatic scenes unfolded as prisoners climbed onto rooftops, burned mattresses, and shouted “No more torture!” while waving banners demanding the removal of prison director Elvis Macuare Guerrero. Thick smoke rose above the facility as heavily armed security forces surrounded the prison complex.
Prisoners and family members claim inmates were beaten, electrocuted, denied visits, stripped of clothing, and even shot at during recent protests inside the facility. Videos shared by the Venezuelan Prison Observatory appeared to show wounded inmates and chaotic scenes as clashes intensified.
Relatives gathered outside the prison accused authorities of systematic abuse and said several detainees had suffered severe injuries in recent days. Human rights groups say more than 1,200 male inmates and over 100 women joined the prison uprising after repeated complaints were ignored by officials.
The takeover has reignited international scrutiny of Venezuela’s prison system, which has faced years of allegations involving overcrowding, torture, and political repression.
The unrest comes during a period of growing pressure on Venezuela’s transitional authorities to reform detention centers and address ongoing human rights concerns. Analysts warn the Barinas revolt could trigger wider unrest across the prison system if allegations of abuse continue to spread without accountability or independent investigation.
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