Rights groups call for probe into Venezuela prison riot that left 46 dead

Members of the Bolivarian national guard stand outside Los Llanos penitentiary after a riot erupted inside the prison leaving dozens of dead as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Guanare, Venezuela May 2, 2020. REUTERS/Freddy Rodriguez

CARACAS (Reuters) - Human rights groups on Saturday called for an investigation into a prison riot in western Venezuela that left 46 people dead and 75 injured, and questioned authorities' explanation that the incident was linked to a failed escape attempt.

The U.N.'s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCR) said on Twitter it was "gravely concerned" about the incident on Friday at the Los Llanos penitentiary in Portuguesa state. The South American country's prisons are infamous for extreme levels of violence and poor conditions.