Venezuela Launches Probe into El Salvador’s Bukele Over Alleged Abuse of Venezuelan Detainees

 

Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced a formal investigation into El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, Justice Minister Gustavo Villatoro, and Prisons Director Osiris Luna Meza over alleged human rights abuses against Venezuelan migrants detained in El Salvador’s CECOT prison.

The probe follows the return of over 250 Venezuelans who had been imprisoned after being deported from the U.S. under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. Venezuelan authorities claim the detainees were subjected to sexual abuse, beatings, denial of medical care, and unsanitary food and water conditions. Videos shown at a press conference depicted former detainees with visible injuries and accounts of mistreatment.

El Salvador had alleged the detainees were linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, a claim disputed by families and legal advocates. The Venezuelan government insists the detentions were illegal and that only a handful had criminal records.

The detainees were released as part of a three-way prisoner exchange involving the U.S., which also saw the release of 10 Americans and dozens of Venezuelan political prisoners. While some migrants have reunited with family, many remain in government custody pending health and legal evaluations.

Bukele’s administration has not responded to the allegations. Meanwhile, Venezuela faces its own scrutiny over prison conditions, raising questions about the political motivations behind the investigation.