Maracaibo National Prison (Sabaneta Prison)

The Maracaibo National Prison, commonly known as Sabaneta Prison, was a prison located in Maracaibo, Venezuela. It was notorious for its extreme levels of violence, overcrowding, and inadequate living conditions. The prison was considered one of the most dangerous penal institutions in South America, and a symbol of the failures of the Venezuelan prison system.

Sabaneta Prison was originally built to house approximately 700 inmates, but its population routinely swelled to over 2,500. This overcrowding, coupled with a lack of resources and insufficient security, led to a breakdown of order within the prison walls. Gangs, known as pranes, effectively controlled the prison population, exercising power through violence and intimidation.

Inmates faced constant threats of violence, including stabbings, shootings, and sexual assault. Disease was rampant due to unsanitary conditions and limited access to medical care. Riots and massacres were frequent occurrences, often resulting in dozens or even hundreds of deaths. The Venezuelan government struggled to maintain control over the prison, and corruption within the system further exacerbated the problems.

Efforts to reform or close Sabaneta Prison were met with resistance, both from the pranes who benefited from the status quo and from those who feared the consequences of relocating the inmates to other facilities. Ultimately, the prison was officially closed in 2013 following a series of violent incidents and a national outcry over the inhumane conditions. The remaining inmates were transferred to other prisons throughout Venezuela. The site was later slated for redevelopment into a public space. Despite its closure, Sabaneta Prison remains a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Venezuelan penal system and the devastating consequences of overcrowding and institutional failure.