This report is based on the findings of an AI delegation which visited Venezuela in May 1992. It focuses on allegations of torture and other violations, including deaths in detention, by members of the security forces in the barrios (poor neighbourhoods) of Caracas; the victims in these cases are predominantly criminal suspects, including minors. Cases from the La Vega, 23 de Enero and Petare district of Caracas are described. Also included are details of killings, torture and arrests which allegedly followed the coup attempt of 4 February 1992: several cases of killing and torture in Valencia are described, along with details of the detention of over 20 people. A Stop Press item received at the time of printing reports the alleged extrajudicial killing of three students.
