VENEZUELA · HUMAN RIGHTS
Key Facts
—Who. The Venezuelan Prisons Observatory (OVP), a rights group, reports 34 jailed military personnel on strike.
—What. A hunger strike over delayed trials, announced on 10 November 2026.
—Where. Ramo Verde, the national military prison in Miranda state.
—Response. No statement from the government or prison authorities has been published.
—Power Index. Venezuela ranks 12th of 14 in The Rio Times Latin America Power Index, with 29.4 points (November 2026 edition).
As of 10 November 2026, 23:00 GMT.
A Venezuelan rights group says 34 jailed soldiers have stopped eating to protest delayed trials. The claim has not been confirmed by the government.
The Venezuelan Prisons Observatory (OVP), a non-governmental group that monitors jails, said on Tuesday 10 November 2026 that 34 military prisoners at Ramo Verde are on an indefinite hunger strike. Other reports have cited a smaller number, and we could not verify the count independently.
Ramo Verde is the national centre for military detainees, in Miranda state. The claim comes from the OVP and has not been confirmed by the authorities.
Who Is Refusing Food
The OVP says the strikers include 21 sergeants held in the Cotiza case. It says 13 more prisoners from other military cases are also taking part.
We have not independently verified the names or the number. The OVP says the full list is in its report.
Why They Are Protesting
The OVP points to long procedural delays, saying the sergeants have waited six months without a trial. It says defence lawyers have asked for an amnesty and wants the TSJ to answer.
The group also reports poor medical care, closed internal access points and limits on water. It holds the Venezuelan state responsible for the prisoners’ health.
What It Means for You
For investors and diplomats watching Venezuela, prisoner cases are a test of how far the government will go with releases. US readers with family in Venezuela can follow updates from the OVP and Foro Penal, a legal-aid group for political prisoners.
What Is Not Known
The government and prison authorities have not publicly responded to the claim. It is also not known whether any prisoner needs hospital care.
Related reading: Venezuela teachers and nurses call strike. More coverage is on our Venezuela news page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who says the hunger strike is happening?
The Venezuelan Prisons Observatory (OVP), a rights group, said so on 10 November 2026. The government has not commented.
How many prisoners are involved?
The OVP says 34 military prisoners: 21 sergeants from the Cotiza case plus 13 others. Other reports have cited a smaller number.
What do the prisoners want?
The OVP says they want an end to trial delays and a Supreme Tribunal answer on an amnesty request.
What is Ramo Verde?
Ramo Verde is Venezuela’s national centre for military detainees, in Miranda state.
Sources: Venezuelan Prisons Observatory (OVP) · Supreme Tribunal of Justice of Venezuela (TSJ).
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated AI newsroom. Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief. The Rio Times also runs Ask Rio Times, which answers from 100,000+ of our own articles, the daily Latin America Power Map, and prediction-market odds on elections and markets.. How we use AI · Report an error
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