Venezuela: Inmates Occupy Rooftops and Burn Mattresses During Venezuelan Prison Riot.

Barinas, Venezuela - May 25, 2026 More than 1,300 prisoners reportedly took control of parts of a prison in Barinas, western Venezuela, setting mattresses on fire and climbing onto rooftops during a major uprising against the facility’s newly appointed director. According to prisoners and the Venezuelan Prison Observatory NGO, inmates accused prison authorities of carrying out brutal searches, beatings, torture, and placing more than 120 detainees in punishment cells after the director’s appointment. Protesters demanded the removal of the prison chief as guards attempted to regain control using tear gas, while family members clashed with National Guard forces outside the prison. Venezuelan authorities had not immediately responded publicly to the allegations.