In Caracas stands an architectural marvel turned house of horrors, we’re talking about the Venezuelan Helicoid. Originally conceived as a symbol of modernity and progress, this spiral-shaped structure has become synonymous with what we think is the darkest aspect of Venezuela’s political landscape.
The Helicoid, now serving as the headquarters for the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), has a chilling reputation for being a site of systematic torture and human rights abuses.
Venezuelan Helicoid and Human Rights Violations
Venezuelan protestors gathered yesterday evening at Times Sq @vocesdelamemori . Using a virtual reality program called “Helicoid Reality,” they walked members through one of Venezuela’s most dangerous holding facilities called El Helicoide. pic.twitter.com/dO8bfiuh9b
— JordanColl (@jordancoll21) September 20, 2023
Designed in the 1950s by architects Pedro Neuberger, Dirk Bornhorst, and Jorge Romero Gutiérrez, the Venezuelan Helicoid was intended to be a futuristic shopping mall and cultural center. Its unique spiral design and panoramic views promised to make it a landmark of innovation.
However, economic difficulties and political turmoil halted its construction, and by the 1980s, the building had been repurposed for governmental use.
In the years following the establishment of the Bolivarian Republic, the Helicoid became the nerve center for SEBIN. What was once a symbol of progress transformed into a notorious detention and interrogation facility.
Former detainees have painted a grim picture of life inside the Helicoid. Torture practices reportedly employed inside the Helicoid include:
Physical Beatings: Prisoners have described being subjected to severe beatings, often leaving them with broken bones and other serious injuries.
Electrocution: Reports indicate the use of electric shocks as a means of extracting confessions or information.
Psychological Torture: Prolonged isolation, threats against family members, and mock executions are among the psychological tactics used to break the spirit of detainees.
Sexual Abuse: Some detainees have reported instances of sexual assault and humiliation.
These methods are designed to instill fear, punish dissent, and maintain control over political opponents, activists, and even ordinary citizens caught in the crosshairs of the government’s expansive security apparatus.
Numerous testimonies from former detainees have shed light on the grim reality within the Venezuelan Helicoid. One notable case is that of Lorent Saleh, an activist who was imprisoned for four years. Saleh detailed his harrowing experiences, including being beaten, electrocuted, and subjected to psychological torture. His account, along with many others, highlights the systemic nature of abuse in the Venezuelan Helicoid.
International Condemnation
The international community has not remained silent in the face of these abuses. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented and condemned the practices within the Venezuelan Helicoid. Reports from these organizations have called for increased scrutiny and accountability for those responsible for the human rights violations.
The United Nations has also expressed concern over the treatment of political prisoners in Venezuela. In 2019, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, visited the country and called for the release of all political detainees and the cessation of torture practices.
The Helicoid stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights in Venezuela. While the building’s future remains uncertain, the stories of those who suffered within its walls continue to fuel the fight for justice and reform.
