On May 24, 2026, inmates at Venezuela's Barinas prison protested by occupying the roof of the facility and setting mattresses on fire. This dramatic demonstration was sparked by reports of severe abuses, including allegations that guards had shot at unarmed prisoners. In a video shared by the Venezuelan Prison Observatory, one inmate displayed a bullet wound on his chest, highlighting the dire conditions inside the prison.

The protesting inmates called for the removal of the newly appointed prison director, Elvis Macuare Guerrero, claiming he oversaw violent actions against them. They alleged that their clothes had been confiscated, visitations were banned, and they were coerced into selling drugs.

Family members of the inmates gathered outside the prison and clashed with National Guard officers as they attempted to force their way inside. Eyewitnesses reported hearing screams and explosions during the chaos, indicating the tensions surrounding the protest were high.

Venezuelan authorities have not issued a comment regarding the incidents. This protest occurs amid increasing scrutiny of the Venezuelan prison system, particularly as the interim government of Delcy Rodriguez has attempted to release individuals considered political prisoners.

These events reflect ongoing issues within the Venezuelan penal system, which has faced widespread criticism for overcrowding and violence. This latest incident underscores the desperate conditions within prisons and the lengths to which inmates will go to demand justice and fair treatment.