Venezuelan government faces criticisms for handling of overcrowded prisons after bloody clash
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Venezuela's government is facing mounting criticisms from activists and the U.N. human rights office for its handling of overcrowded and violent prisons following a clash between inmates and troops that left at least 58 dead.
Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern about what he called "an alarming pattern of violence in Venezuelan prisons, which is a direct consequence of poor conditions." He made the remarks at a news conference in Geneva on Tuesday.
Vice President Nicolas Maduro defended the Venezuelan government's efforts and said the "first steps" are being taken to improve the country's prisons.
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The government has said that 58 people were killed on Friday at Uribana prison in the city of Barquisimeto when armed inmates clashed with National Guard troops.