Venezuelan inmate deaths in custody reach 19 amid prison health crisis

The Venezuelan Observatory of Prisons (OVP) has reported the death of inmate Alberto Rafael Solarte Cabrera while in state custody, bringing the total number of prisoner deaths since April to 19. Cabrera was held at the "Doctor Francisco Delgado" New Man Training Center, formerly known as El Marite prison, in Zulia state.

“

In Venezuela, falling ill within a prison can mean waiting days, weeks, or months for medical attention that does not arrive, a hospital transfer that is delayed, or a treatment that is never supplied.

The OVP stated that Cabrera's death "once again sets off alarms about the health of the incarcerated population." The organization detailed that in Venezuela, falling ill within prison can mean facing prolonged waits for medical attention that never arrives, delayed hospital transfers, or treatments that are never administered.

Since April, deaths have been documented in various correctional facilities across Venezuela, including Fénix Lara, Tocuyito, Uribana, Rodeo III and IV, the 26 de Julio Judicial Penitentiary Detention Center, the Coro Penitentiary Community, the Western Penitentiary Center, and Yare III. The OVP stressed that the state has a fundamental obligation to ensure the protection and medical care of detainees, aligning with the Mandela Rules, which mandate prompt access to healthcare for all individuals deprived of liberty.

“

The death of Cabrera once again sets off alarms about the health of the incarcerated population.

According to the OVP's 2025 Annual Report, a staggering 95.57% of recorded deaths in custody were linked to a lack of timely medical assistance. The organization also referenced Article 83 of the Venezuelan Constitution, which establishes health as a fundamental social right and a state obligation. The OVP has called upon the Ombudsman, Eglée González Lobato, to ensure human rights are upheld and demanded an investigation to implement urgent measures within the penitentiary system.

“

While deaths under custody continue to accumulate, families continue to await firm action from the institutions called upon to protect those who are currently under the protection of the Venezuelan state itself.