Diosdado Cabello Denies Existence of 'Pranes' in Venezuelan Prisons, Cites Police Purge

Diosdado Cabello, a prominent Venezuelan official, asserted that the country's prisons are free of "pranes," or powerful inmate leaders who often control criminal activities from within. Cabello's remarks aim to counter narratives of widespread lawlessness in the Venezuelan penal system.

During the same address, Cabello revealed that a significant number of law enforcement personnel have been removed from their posts. He stated that 28,314 police officers faced dismissal and subsequent prosecution. The grounds for these actions were allegations of corruption and extortion, indicating a government effort to purge corrupt elements from the police force.

These statements come at a time when Venezuela faces persistent challenges related to public security and systemic corruption. Critics often point to the influence of armed gangs within prisons as a major factor contributing to violence and instability, both inside and outside correctional facilities. Cabello's denial of "pranes" and the announcement of police dismissals appear to be an attempt to project an image of state control and reform.

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a total of 28,314 police officials were dismissed and brought to trial for accusations of corruption and extortion.