Following the return of over 250 Venezuelan migrants from El Salvador, the Venezuelan government has initiated an investigation into alleged systemic torture within the El Salvadoran prison system, prompting calls for international scrutiny.
Venezuela Investigates Torture Allegations Against El Salvador's Prison System
Venezuela Investigates Torture Allegations Against El Salvador's Prison System
An inquiry is launched into human rights abuses reported by Venezuelan migrants held in an El Salvador prison.
Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced an investigation into severe human rights violations reported by Venezuelan migrants detained at the CECOT prison in El Salvador. Over 250 individuals, who were deported from the United States and held for four months, were repatriated to Venezuela, with Saab asserting they suffered from "systemic torture."
According to Saab, the allegations include accounts of sexual abuse, frequent beatings, and the provision of spoiled food. The claims, accompanied by testimonies and images showing injuries such as bruises and missing teeth, have not been independently verified yet. El Salvador has not yet provided a public response to these serious allegations.
During a press conference, Saab emphasized that Venezuela would investigate El Salvador's government officials, including President Nayib Bukele and Justice Minister Gustavo Villatoro, calling on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the United Nations Human Rights Council to also intervene.
These allegations come at a time when Venezuela is under investigation by the ICC in connection with similar issues of torture and denial of legal rights within its own borders. The repatriated Venezuelans were deported under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, accused of gang affiliation, claims that many family members and legal representatives dispute.
Held in the infamous Terrorism Confinement Center, known as CECOT, the detainees lacked access to legal counsel and contact with relatives. The public outcry was ignited when images released by Bukele's government depicted the deported individuals arriving in handcuffs, exacerbating concerns over their treatment. In mid-July, a deal facilitated the release of these Venezuelans in exchange for U.S. citizens incarcerated in Venezuela, an act that generated praise from a senior Trump administration official.
As Venezuela faces increased scrutiny and harsh sanctions from the U.S., the ruling to potentially revoke Temporary Protected Status for around 350,000 Venezuelan nationals adds further pressure to an already tense migration situation.
