Nicolás Maduro ordered the construction of maximum security prisons

In a move that has raised international concern, Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelan President has announced the construction of two maximum security prisons to house new generation gangs and opponents of the regime.

This announcement, made during the National Council of Productive Economy, It has been described by the government as a measure to “re-educate” prisoners, but experts and international observers warn that it could mark an alarming turn towards authoritarianism and systematic repression.

In a rhetorical speech, President Maduro presented these new penitentiary centers as solutions to the problems of crime and disorder in Venezuela.

According to his statements, these facilities will be designed to confront new generation gangs, a term that currently refers to organized criminal groups that have gained notoriety for their violent activities and their influence in various regions of the country.

However, the context of this decision has raised great concern. The Maduro administration has been accused on multiple occasions of using the country’s justice system and institutions to repress its political opponents. In this sense, the announcement of these prisons has been interpreted by many as a measure to silence dissidents and consolidate the regime’s control over the political and social opposition.