Venezuela has initiated a probe into disturbing allegations of human rights violations involving migrants detained in El Salvador. Over 250 Venezuelans, who spent four months in the infamous Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), were repatriated to near Caracas on Friday after being deported from the United States in March.
Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab accused El Salvador of perpetrating "systemic torture," alleging practices that included sexual abuse, routine beatings, and inadequate food. Saab's statements were made during a press conference, during which he showed testimonies and images revealing detainee injuries, such as bruises and missing teeth. However, these accounts have yet to be independently verified.
El Salvador has not publicly responded to these serious allegations. As part of the investigation, Venezuela's authorities aim to scrutinize President Nayib Bukele, Justice Minister Gustavo Villatoro, and Head of Prisons Osiris Luna Meza. Saab has also urged the International Criminal Court (ICC), the UN Human Rights Council, and other relevant organizations to conduct their own investigations into the matter.
In a twist of irony, Venezuela itself is currently under investigation by the ICC for similar allegations involving torture and denial of legal representation for prisoners. The deported Venezuelans, sent back to their home country under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, were accused of gang affiliation, a charge that many of their families and legal representatives contest.
Held without legal counsel or contact with their relatives in CECOT, the detainees were last photographed upon their arrival in handcuffs and with shaved heads—a sight that ignited international outrage. These Venezuelans were released in July as part of a deal involving the release of U.S. nationals held in Venezuela, with a senior official from the Trump administration expressing deep appreciation for Bukele's role in facilitating the exchange.
The U.S. has imposed significant sanctions against Venezuela, and a recent Supreme Court ruling indicated that Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans in America could soon be revoked, jeopardizing the status of around 350,000 individuals.
