The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) deplored the violent deaths of several prisoners in the Capital Region Penitentiary of Yare I and urged the Venezuelan government to take the necessary steps to prevent the recurrence of such events.

In a statement, the IACHR voiced concern about these events and expressed solidarity with the families of dead inmates.

The human rights commission recalled that governments have a duty to make the necessary decisions to guarantee the lives and safety of inmates.

The IACHR reiterated its concern about the high rates of violence in Venezuelan prisons and about the possession of firearms inside jails. The Commission stressed that States have the clear duty to protect inmates.

The statement said that the IACHR has been monitoring violence in Venezuelan prisons for several years. Therefore, it urged Venezuelan authorities to take steps to prevent outbreaks of violence.