The Venezuelan government announced an investigation on Friday after more than 250 migrants were repatriated from El Salvador, where they spent four months in brutal conditions.
Migrants Allegedly Tortured in El Salvador: Venezuela Launches Investigation
Migrants Allegedly Tortured in El Salvador: Venezuela Launches Investigation
Venezuela is investigating claims of human rights abuses following the detention of over 250 migrants in El Salvador's notorious prison.
More than 250 Venezuelan migrants were repatriated to Caracas on Friday after spending four months detained in El Salvador’s infamous CECOT prison, raising serious allegations of human rights violations. Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab disclosed that the government is initiating an investigation following reports of systemic torture, including sexual abuse, daily beatings, and substandard food conditions inside the prison.
The detained individuals, returned to Venezuela after being deported from the United States in March, were alleged gang members, a claim disputed by their families and legal representatives. Saab presented testimonies and visuals indicating injuries suffered by the detainees, including bruising and missing teeth; however, these claims have yet to be independently verified.
The Venezuelan authorities aim to investigate key figures in the El Salvador government, including President Nayib Bukele and Justice Minister Gustavo Villatoro. In a plea for international scrutiny, Saab called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the UN Human Rights Council to take action.
These developments arise against the backdrop of Venezuela itself being probed by the ICC over similar charges concerning prisoner treatment. The migrants were held under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which permits the U.S. president to detain and deport individuals from designated "enemy" nations. They were denied legal access and were last seen arriving in El Salvador in handcuffs, an event that drew widespread condemnation.
The group was released in mid-July in a controversial swap for U.S. nationals held in Venezuela, a deal facilitated by Bukele’s administration, which has faced criticism over its prison conditions. The U.S. has placed severe sanctions on Venezuela, impacting the lives of many, including the recent Supreme Court decision affecting the Temporary Protected Status of roughly 350,000 Venezuelans.
The detained individuals, returned to Venezuela after being deported from the United States in March, were alleged gang members, a claim disputed by their families and legal representatives. Saab presented testimonies and visuals indicating injuries suffered by the detainees, including bruising and missing teeth; however, these claims have yet to be independently verified.
The Venezuelan authorities aim to investigate key figures in the El Salvador government, including President Nayib Bukele and Justice Minister Gustavo Villatoro. In a plea for international scrutiny, Saab called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the UN Human Rights Council to take action.
These developments arise against the backdrop of Venezuela itself being probed by the ICC over similar charges concerning prisoner treatment. The migrants were held under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which permits the U.S. president to detain and deport individuals from designated "enemy" nations. They were denied legal access and were last seen arriving in El Salvador in handcuffs, an event that drew widespread condemnation.
The group was released in mid-July in a controversial swap for U.S. nationals held in Venezuela, a deal facilitated by Bukele’s administration, which has faced criticism over its prison conditions. The U.S. has placed severe sanctions on Venezuela, impacting the lives of many, including the recent Supreme Court decision affecting the Temporary Protected Status of roughly 350,000 Venezuelans.
