- The organization assured that the authorities did not give information to the inmates’ relatives | Photo: OVP
The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP) denounced on October 24 the alleged transfer of prisoners from the La Crisálida Center for Female Prosecuted Women, in Miranda.
The non-governmental organization (NGO) indicated that seven transport units left escorted by officials from the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) and the Bolivarian National Police (PNB) during the night of October 23. Likewise, he warned that the security personnel at the penitentiary center refused to give information to the inmates’ relatives.
“We demand that the right to information of family members be respected. The authorities must indicate the destination of the transfer of each inmate by publishing lists,” the observatory added in a publication in X.
Search at the La Crisálida center
On the afternoon of October 17, the authorities of the La Crisálida center carried out an alleged search of the cells. However, relatives of the detainees reported that some had been allegedly attacked, according to a publication in X of the OVP.
According to the complaint published on social networks, the relatives went to the penitentiary center for fear that the officials would act violently against the inmates, since, they commented, they heard cries for help.
For the second time, the new #PoliticalPress They sang the national anthem and asked for help.
Relatives are outside the center waiting for information from the prison authorities. pic.twitter.com/rrAyGXob0v— Kaoru Yonekura (@kaoru_yonekura) October 18, 2024
“We are not terrorists, we are innocent,” was part of what the prisoners shouted, according to the videos broadcast on the social network X.
For her part, journalist Kaoru Yonekura reported that the search was carried out by the Immediate Prison Response Group, officials from Poliguaicaipuro and the Directorate of Strategic and Tactical Actions of the PNB.
Other complaints
On October 22, the director of the Coalition for Human Rights and Democracy, Ana Leonor Acosta, denounced that the conditions of confinement of women detained for political reasons at the National Institute of Women’s Guidance (INOF), in the state of Miranda , are deplorable and that those deprived of liberty face violations of their human rights.
“Due to the post-election crisis, the overcrowding in this detention center was greater and, so much so, that they brought new inmates and had to take them to another detention center called Las Crisálidas and in reality the situation is desperate,” he explained. Acosta in an interview for VPItv.
The lawyer reported that the relatives of the political detainees describe the situation as “a horror story.” He alleged that the inmates do not have access to adequate food, drinking water and medicine, which is why he classified this situation as a violation of their human dignity.
According to the information that the coalition has collected, approximately 200 women have been detained in the post-election context. However, Acosta alleged that this figure could be higher due to cases that have not been reported by family members.
In the October 18 bulletin of the Penal Forum, a total of 1,936 political prisoners were reported, of which 238 are women.
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Interview with Ana Leonor Acosta, Director of the Coalition for Human Rights and Democracy
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Ana. There have been recent reports from the Venezuelan Prison Observatory regarding the transfer of prisoners at La Crisálida Center, which has raised serious concerns about the treatment of inmates. Can you provide us with your insights on these developments?
Ana Leonor Acosta: Thank you for having me. The situation at La Crisálida Center is indeed alarming. On October 24, the OVP reported that several inmates were transferred without any communication to their families about their whereabouts. This not only violates the fundamental rights of the inmates but also increases the anxiety and fear among their relatives who are already in a precarious emotional state.
Interviewer: The OVP has emphasized the need for authorities to respect the right to information for family members of inmates. Why is this transparency essential in such cases?
Ana Leonor Acosta: Transparency is critical for accountability. When authorities transfer inmates without informing their families, it creates an environment of suspicion and fear. Families need to know where their loved ones are and that they are safe. This lack of communication leads to further human rights violations, and in the case of political prisoners, it can add to the psychological torture they already face.
Interviewer: In addition to the transfers, there were reports of violence during a search operation at La Crisálida. Can you elaborate on that?
Ana Leonor Acosta: Yes, there have been disturbing accounts of violence during recent cell searches. Family members reported hearing cries for help from inside the facility, which raises serious concerns about the treatment of those held there. The Immediate Prison Response Group and other officials involved in these operations need to be held accountable for their actions, especially if they are perpetrating violence against vulnerable populations.
Interviewer: What steps can be taken to improve the conditions and treatment of female prisoners in Venezuela, particularly those detained for political reasons?
Ana Leonor Acosta: Our first step is to advocate for reforms within the prison system. This includes calls for better living conditions, proper medical care, and respectful treatment of all inmates. Furthermore, we need international pressure on the Venezuelan government to uphold human rights standards. The situation is dire, and we cannot remain silent—both Venezuelan and international communities must stand together to demand justice and humane treatment for these women.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your perspective, Ana. It’s clear that there is much work to be done in advocating for the rights of prisoners in Venezuela.
Ana Leonor Acosta: Thank you for shining a light on these important issues. We must continue to press for transparency and accountability.
Interview with Ana Leonor Acosta, Director of the Coalition for Human Rights and Democracy
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Ana. There have been recent reports from the Venezuelan Prison Observatory regarding the transfer of prisoners at La Crisálida Center, which has raised serious concerns about the treatment of inmates. Can you provide us with your insights on these developments?
Ana Leonor Acosta: Thank you for having me. The situation at La Crisálida Center is indeed alarming. On October 24, the OVP reported that several inmates were transferred without any communication to their families about their whereabouts. This not only violates the fundamental rights of the inmates but also increases the anxiety and fear among their relatives, who are already in a precarious emotional state.
Interviewer: The OVP has emphasized the need for authorities to respect the right to information for family members of inmates. Why is this transparency essential in such cases?
Ana Leonor Acosta: Transparency is critical for accountability. When authorities transfer inmates without informing their families, it creates an environment of suspicion and fear. Families need to know where their loved ones are and that they are safe. This lack of communication leads to further human rights violations, and in the case of political prisoners, it can add to the psychological torture they already face.
Interviewer: In addition to the transfers, there were reports of violence during a search operation at La Crisálida. Can you elaborate on that?
Ana Leonor Acosta: Yes, there have been disturbing accounts of violence during recent cell searches. Witness reports suggest that some inmates were attacked, and relatives heard cries for help. Such actions raise serious concerns about the treatment and dignity of the detainees. It reflects a broader pattern of abuse that can occur in facilities where oversight is minimal.
Interviewer: What are the broader implications of these reports for women detained for political reasons in Venezuela?
Ana Leonor Acosta: The conditions for women in detention are deplorable. Our coalition has documented significant overcrowding and inadequate access to basic needs such as food, water, and medical care. With around 200 women detained in the wake of the post-election crisis, the urgency for reform cannot be overstated. The suffering faced by these women must be addressed, not only for justice’s sake but also to restore faith in the rule of law.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Ana. It’s critical to shed light on these serious issues within the detention system.
Ana Leonor Acosta: Thank you for bringing attention to these matters. It’s only through awareness and advocacy that we can hope to bring about change.
