Dirty laundry and chocolate bars: How Venezuelan prisoners smuggled messages out of jail
Prisoners recently released from detention in Venezuela describe the conditions under which they were held.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"They handcuffed me, beat me, insulted me, and put a balaclava on me as they put me inside a patrol car."
— Javier Tarazona , Activist
"We spent 46 days there."
— Javier Tarazona , Activist
"the torture of not knowing where your family members are, how they are, because they cut you off - they isolate you from the world."
— Ángel Godoy , Activist
"I have to assume the aim is to break you."
— Ángel Godoy , Activist
"They handcuffed me, beat me, insulted me, and put a balaclava on me as they put me inside a patrol car."
— Javier Tarazona , Activist
"the torture of not knowing where your family members are, how they are, because they cut you off - they isolate you from the world."
— Ángel Godoy , Activist
"They handcuffed me, beat me, insulted me, and put a balaclava on me as they put me inside a patrol car."
— Javier Tarazona , Activist
"The first few hours were terrible."
— Javier Tarazona , Activist
"We spent 46 days there."
— Javier Tarazona , Activist
"the torture of not knowing where your family members are, how they are, because they cut you off - they isolate you from the world."
— Ángel Godoy , Activist
"I have to assume the aim is to break you."
— Ángel Godoy , Activist
Key People
The wife of Ángel Godoy, who has been vocal about the impact of her husband's detention.
A political prisoner in Venezuela who was detained during President Nicolás Maduro's regime.
The head of the human rights NGO Fundaredes, who was arrested for calling for an investigation into government links with guerrilla groups.
Brother of Javier Tarazona, who was held alongside him in prison.
Locations
Tags
All Coverage
Prisoners recently released from detention in Venezuela describe the conditions under which they were held.
An article detailing how Venezuelan prisoners used everyday items like chocolate bar wrappers and dirty laundry to smuggle messages out of jail, highlighting the harsh conditions they faced.
An article detailing how Venezuelan prisoners used everyday items like chocolate bar wrappers and dirty laundry to smuggle messages out of jail, highlighting the harsh conditions they faced.
A report on how Venezuelan prisoners smuggled messages using chocolate wrappers and laundry, amidst harsh conditions and alleged family pressures.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Overcrowded shelters, poor water access pose health risks after Venezuela quakes, PAHO says - Reuters
Overcrowded shelters, poor water access pose health risks after Venezuela quakes, PAHO says Reuters
July 9, 2026 at 09:57 PMVenezuela complying with US requests on quake relief, envoy says, amid criticism of government response - Reuters
Venezuela complying with US requests on quake relief, envoy says, amid criticism of government response Reuters
July 7, 2026 at 04:08 PMBlockade and a hard place - Reuters
Blockade and a hard place Reuters
July 14, 2026 at 10:31 AMMen disguised as police kill Ecuadorean drug lord's brother
The victim, David Macías, was the brother of drug lord 'El Fito', who is awaiting trial in the US.
July 13, 2026 at 10:30 AMVenezuela's Rodriguez taps Washington envoy for new foreign ministry post - Reuters
Venezuela's Rodriguez taps Washington envoy for new foreign ministry post Reuters
July 13, 2026 at 09:31 PMCubans protest after third nationwide power cut this year
While Cuban officials said that power had been mostly restored, those still left in the dark vented their anger.
July 8, 2026 at 10:56 AM