The Digester

UN alarmed by reports of detainee torture in Venezuela despite amnesty

Mar 20th 2026

UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk says reports that detainees are still being tortured in Venezuela are concerning and has urged transparency after an amnesty law was passed under Delcy Rodríguez.

  • UN rights chief Volker Türk told the Human Rights Council that reports of continued torture and systemic human rights concerns in Venezuela are worrying.
  • The UN says many people remain in arbitrary detention, including a child, despite an amnesty law passed under Delcy Rodríguez.
  • Venezuelan parliament says more than 7,700 people were granted full freedom under the amnesty, but rights group Foro Penal has confirmed fewer than 700 releases and reports over 500 politically detained.
  • Türk said the UN has requested an official list of those released and unfettered access to detention centres but has not received cooperation from authorities.
  • The UN received allegations of torture and mistreatment at detention centres including Rodeo 1 and Fuerte Guaicaipuro, which Venezuelan officials reject as biased.

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