Venezuela inmates occupy prison roof and set fire to mattresses to protest alleged abuses
Inmates at Barinas prison in Venezuela staged a protest by occupying the roof and setting mattresses on fire. They accused prison staff of shooting unarmed prisoners during what they claimed was a peaceful demonstration. Family members of inmates clashed with National Guard officers outside the prison, demanding justice and the removal of the prison's director.
- ▪Inmates at Barinas prison protested against alleged abuses by prison staff.
- ▪They claimed that guards opened fire on them, resulting in injuries.
- ▪The protest involved burning mattresses and chanting for justice.
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Large columns of smoke from burning mattresses and sheets rose from the Barinas prison as inmates gathered on the roof, chanting, “No more torture!” Photograph: Yonny Camacho/ReutersView image in fullscreenLarge columns of smoke from burning mattresses and sheets rose from the Barinas prison as inmates gathered on the roof, chanting, “No more torture!” Photograph: Yonny Camacho/ReutersVenezuelaVenezuela inmates occupy prison roof and set fire to mattresses to protest alleged abuses Inmates at Barinas prison allege they were peacefully protesting when prison staff opened fire, leaving some woundedAgenciesMon 25 May 2026 02.20 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleInmates at Venezuela’s western Barinas prison staged a protest on its roof on Sunday, piling flaming mattresses and calling for…
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