UN Reports Continued Venezuela Torture
The UN reports continued torture of detainees in Venezuela despite an amnesty law, urging transparency from authorities amid conflicting release figures.
Lauren Collins ·
UN Reports Continued Venezuela Torture The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, reported on Tuesday that allegations of torture against detainees in Venezuela persist, despite the recent passage of an amnesty law. Türk expressed concern over these reports following the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro, who was replaced by former Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez.
Türk acknowledged the amnesty law, which the Venezuelan parliament stated has granted "full freedom" to over 7,700 individuals, primarily those under restrictions like house arrest or parole. However, the Venezuelan prisoners' rights group Foro Penal has confirmed fewer than 700 releases and estimates over 500 people remain incarcerated for political reasons.
Türk highlighted this discrepancy and urged Venezuelan authorities for greater transparency, noting his office's unsuccessful requests for an official release list and access to detention centers.
The UN Human Rights Office has received information detailing "continued torture and mistreatment of detainees" in facilities such as Rodeo 1 and Fuerte Guaicaipuro. This follows an update from the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, which has documented numerous cases of torture, sexual violence, and other inhumane treatment in Venezuelan detention centers. Venezuelan officials have consistently dismissed these allegations as politically motivated.