Venezuelan prisoners at the Rodeo I jail in Guatire, Miranda state, reportedly shouted for help Wednesday night, alleging a guard physically assaulted a fellow inmate identified as Enzo Flores. The incident prompted immediate concern from family members and human rights groups, who have been camped outside the facility for nearly two months.
According to accounts shared in social media videos, Flores, who has been using a medical brace for 16 months, was struck by a guard in the area of his injury, causing active bleeding. “Tonight, February 25th, at 11:20 PM, our family members began shouting at Rodeo I,” a relative stated in a video posted online. “The information we obtained is that there is a person named Enzo Flores inside, who has been wearing a medical brace for 16 months and was beaten, which caused bleeding.”
Family members also reported being harassed by members of the National Guard (GNB) while attempting to gather information about the situation. “Officials came to strive to persuade us to leave; however, we did not move from the site,” they said. Those who approached the jail entrance seeking official confirmation were reportedly ignored.
The Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners (Clippve) issued a statement expressing “deep concern over the opacity and reported cruel treatment” and demanded an immediate response from prison authorities. Clippve also called for the state to be held responsible for the physical integrity of Flores and other inmates.
The allegations surfaced as Venezuela’s recently approved Amnesty Law is being implemented. Jorge Arreaza, the parliamentary commission president overseeing the law’s implementation, announced Wednesday that 185 political prisoners had already been fully released. He also stated that 3,266 individuals with precautionary measures – such as periodic reporting to courts or travel bans – had been granted full freedom. Arreaza acknowledged that the law, unanimously approved by the National Assembly last week, may not cover all cases due to the 15-day deadline for court rulings.
As of Thursday, February 26th, an official list of beneficiaries under the Amnesty Law has not been published. Family members at Rodeo I are also requesting access for the International Committee of the Red Cross to evaluate the health of inmates participating in a hunger strike, including foreign political prisoners.
In April 2025, Clippve reported harassment by suspected state officials during a peaceful vigil outside the Rodeo I detention center, where activists were demanding the release of political prisoners. The group reported being recorded and followed by individuals in a blue Chevrolet vehicle.
