Venezuela: State security forces systematically abused protesters
Dramatic images of police and soldiers cracking down on young protesters were seen around the world, but less is known about the thousands who were detained.
Venezuelan state security forces systematically abused opposition protesters detained during months of deadly political unrest earlier this year, according to a joint report by New York-based Human Rights Watch and Venezuela-based Penal Forum.
2 May 2017: A demonstrator catches fire, after the petrol tank of a police motorbike exploded during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in CaracasJuan Barreto/AFP29 May 2017: A motorcycle is set on fire during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in San CristobalCarlos Eduardo Ramirez/Reuters
More than 120 people died in the unrest, with victims including demonstrators, government supporters, security officials, and bystanders. The opposition and government agencies reported varying tolls and causes of death that focused blame on the other side. Security forces were accused of using 'excessive force' against protesters, including causing deaths by firing tear canisters at close range.
19 April 2017: An injured demonstrators is been helped by another protester during anti-government protests in Caracas, VenezuelaCarlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters3 May 2017: A charging National Guard riot control vehicle knocks down a demonstrator during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in CaracasCarlos Becerra/AFP3 May 2017: An opposition demonstrator who was over by a National Guard armoured vehicle is helped away by a fellow demonstrators in CaracasFederico Parra/AFP10 May 2017: Security forces clash with demonstrators during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro's government in San Cristobal, VenezuelaCarlos Eduardo Ramirez/Reuters30 May 2017: Volunteer medics carry an injured opposition supporter on a motorcycle during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in CaracasCarlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters31 May 2017: An injured opposition demonstrator is assisted by fellow activists during clashes with riot police in CaracasFederico Parra/AFP
7 June 2017: Fatally injured 17-year-old demonstrator Neomar Lander is treated during riots in Caracas. The government said he died when a homemade mortar exploded in his hands, while the opposition said he was killed by a tear gas canister fired straight at himCarlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters
12 June 2017: An anti-government demonstrator shows his wounds he said were caused by shotgun pellets during an attack on the administrative headquarters of the Supreme Court of JusticeFederico Parra/AFP19 June 2017: A member of the riot security forces points what appears to be a pistol towards a crowd of demonstrators during a rally against President Nicolas Maduro's government in CaracasChristian Veron/Reuters22 June 2017: A member of the riot security forces points a gun through the fence of an Air Force base at David Jose Vallenilla, who was carrying just a backpackCarlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters22 June 2017: David Jose Vallenilla falls to the ground after being shot dead by a riot police officer at an Air Force base in CaracasCarlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters
22 June 2017: David Jose Vallenilla, who was fatally injured, is helped by volunteer members of a primary care response team outside an Air Force base in CaracasCarlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters
6 July 2017: National Guard members shoot rubber bullets at Venezuelan opposition demonstrators blocking the avenue, during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro, in CaracasFederico Parra/AFP6 July 2017: A National Guard member hits a Venezuelan opposition demonstrator with his bike, during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro, in CaracasFederico Parra/AFP18 July 2017: An armoured vehicle hits demonstrators during clashes at a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, VenezuelaMarco Bello/Reuters26 July 2017: A riot security force member fires his weapon at protesters in CaracasUeslei Marcelino/Reuters6 August 2017: An anti-government activist shows cartridges gathered after a protest in Venezuela's third city, ValenciaRonaldo Schemidt/AFP
While dramatic images such as these, of police and soldiers cracking down on young protesters were broadcast around the world, less is known about the thousands more who were hauled away and what happened to them in custody out of view of the media and human rights watchdogs.
Some of the more than 5,000 people detained were beaten, sexually assaulted or given electrical shocks. The two rights groups documented 88 cases involving 314 people who described being victimised by excessive force and arbitrary arrests. In some of the accounts, detainees describe being forced to eat food that contained excrement, cigarette ashes or insects. Others tell of tear gas being released in closed environments where they were held.
In one case, a man taken into custody at his home by plainclothes police says he was handcuffed naked at the ankles and wrists and attached to a chain hanging from a ceiling. He says he was then lifted from the floor, soaked with water and shocked with a long metal stick. "We were asked to give you 440, but since you're a little girl, we'll give you 220," an officer allegedly told him, referring to the electrical voltage.
In another case, a witness describes officers inappropriately touching the legs and breasts of two female detainees, including a 16-year-old girl. The man also tells of witnessing officers pull down the pants of another young male detainee, putting tear gas powder and water in his anus and penetrating him with a broomstick.
A 32-year-old man detained during a protest in Carabobo state was allegedly beaten for hours by National Guard soldiers who also threatened to rape his daughter. He said officials also fired tear gas into his cell.
The two rights groups say they have found no evidence that high-level officials have taken any steps to prevent or punish the violations.