The OVP denounced that eight teenagers detained in post-election protests are beaten and tortured in La Guaira

• The representatives denounced that those affected have their food thrown away and are constantly attacked | Photo: Runrunes

Relatives of eight adolescents detained in the post-election context reported that on the night of October 3 they were “tortured” at the Caraballeda Adolescent and Female Preventive Detention Center, in La Guaira.

The Venezuelan Prisons Observatory (OVP) published an audio in which the screams of several people can be heard.

“Heartbreaking screams from mothers and children were heard at the Caraballeda Adolescent and Female Preventive Detention Center, in La Guaira, where eight adolescents accused of terrorism remain,” the non-governmental organization (NGO) wrote on X (Twitter).

Heartbreaking screams of mothers and children were heard this #3Oct in the Preventive Detention Center for Adolescents and Women of Caraballeda #LaGuairawhere 8 teenagers accused of terrorism remain.

“There are eight minors there, today they did not let us receive visitors and… pic.twitter.com/cuWYmWv4lq

— Venezuelan Prisons Observatory (@oveprisiones) October 4, 2024

According to the complaint, the relatives also claimed that the affected people throw away their food and attack them “whenever they want.”

In Venezuela there are 1,905 political prisoners, according to the records of the NGO Foro Penal in a report released on October 2. Of this number, 67 are adolescents between the ages of 14 and 17, who are linked to participating in the post-election protests that have taken place since July 29.

Release of adolescents

On September 1, 2024, several human rights organizations reported on the release of several adolescents detained during the demonstrations.

According to the Penal Forum, the total number of releases that occurred from August 29 to September 1 was 86 minors.

It was known that there were 74 men and 12 women, between 14 and 17 years of age. All received precautionary measures of restricted freedom. It is estimated that the total number of adolescents who were detained was 150.

They reported that detained teenagers are pressured to admit crimes they have not committed

Photo: EFE/ Ronald Peña R.

The NGO Justice, Encounter and Forgiveness (JEP Venezuela) warned on Friday, September 27, that the adolescents detained in Valencia, Carabobo state, days after the July 28 elections, are being pressured to admit acts that “they have not committed.”

“We warn that any statement obtained under duress is void of any nullity. It is important to remember that these young people have not had access to trusted defenders to represent them in judicial processes that have clearly violated due process,” the NGO wrote on X (Twitter).

The institution, which monitors and offers attention to cases of human rights violations, demanded from the authorities the full and unconditional freedom of the adolescents. JEP Venezuela also reported that the detainees have been victims of “threats and harassment” and “psychological shocks” that have led them to develop “stress episodes and panic attacks.”

The NGO pointed out that the situation worries their families, which is why they urged the authorities of the justice system to prevent further abuses and violations of the dignity of adolescents.

“We call for the restoration of respect for their rights and compliance with due process. We insist that all these young people must be released fully and without conditions,” concluded the statement published by the organization in X.

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