Venezuelan Prison Observatory Reports 26 Deaths in Custody Over Three Months

The Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP) has documented 26 deaths within the nation's prison system between April and June of this year. The NGO did not specify whether these individuals were political prisoners or common inmates.

The most recent recorded death was Fabiana Desirée Páez Fernández, held at the La Crisálida facility in Miranda state. According to the OVP, she suffered respiratory failure and "other health pathologies" that allegedly went untreated. "Once again, the lack of medical attention in Venezuela's penitentiary centers claims the life of a person deprived of liberty," the OVP stated on its X account.

This marks the first reported death at La Crisálida since its establishment in 2018. The OVP highlighted "inadequate living conditions" at the center, where it claims political prisoners are held alongside common inmates. Approximately 320 women are currently detained at La Crisálida, and the OVP is demanding urgent, specialized medical care for them to prevent further fatalities.

Last year, the OVP's annual report indicated that 181 people died in prison, with at least 151 of those deaths attributed to a lack of necessary medical attention. The organization continues to denounce the dire state of healthcare and living conditions within Venezuela's prisons.

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Once again, the lack of medical attention in Venezuela's penitentiary centers claims the life of a person deprived of liberty.