Venezuela Begins Transformation of Notorious Torture Facility

This week, Venezuela’s socialist government announced plans to “modify” the Helicoid, known as a major torture center, and relocate it to a new “Cultural Center.”

A video released by Communications Minister Miguel Ángel Pérez Pirera showcased Acting President Delcy Rodríguez discussing the transformation. The goal, as she explained, is to create a “social, sporting, cultural and commercial center for the police family and the community” surrounding the building.

Juan José Ramírez, the Venezuelan Public Works Minister, stated in the video that project work has already begun. He mentioned that community consultations, along with architectural and engineering assessments, were completed, with the project now approved and in the implementation phase.

The Helicoid, situated atop a hill in Caracas, began its existence in the 1950s during the dictatorship of Marcos Pérez Jiménez. Initially conceived as a drive-through shopping mall, it was never completed after Pérez Jiménez’s government fell in 1958.

For years, the unfinished structure served various purposes until it was converted into what is regarded as Latin America’s largest torture center under the current regime. Ironically, during Nicolás Maduro’s rule, a basketball court was constructed next to the facility, despite ongoing reports of political prisoners being detained and tortured just floors below.

In a somewhat surreal moment, on October 1, 2025, Maduro promoted the start of the “Christmas season” with a helicopter fireworks display. Just weeks before U.S. forces apprehended him on January 3, he revealed plans for a maternal and child health center to open inside the Helicoid by December 2025.

In late January, Rodríguez suggested that the Helicoid would be closed and discussed drafting an “amnesty bill” for Venezuelan dissidents and political prisoners. However, this bill faced criticism for its limited scope, excluding many individuals from its protections. For instance, anti-socialist opposition leader María Colina Machado received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in documenting elections.

After signing the amnesty, Rodríguez asserted that cases not covered by the law would be reviewed to “heal the wounds” and restore democratic coexistence. A recent report indicated that around 70 political prisoners remain incarcerated at the Helicoid.

During the recent State of the Union address, Donald Trump touched on the Helicoid’s closure, referencing the release of Enrique Marquez, an opposition politician who had spent over a year imprisoned. Trump called on Maduro to provide evidence of his supposed “victory” in the disputed 2024 election, alluding to the Helicoid’s infamous reputation.

Marquez, an independent candidate during the questionable elections, was recently one of the first political prisoners freed after Maduro’s arrest and the onset of collaboration between U.S. and Venezuelan leadership.

Trump emphasized Marquez’s relationship with his family, describing fears of losing him forever due to his political activism. The president conveyed ongoing efforts under new leadership to close the “vile prison” and release political detainees, encouraging a spirit of cooperation for Venezuela’s future.

In a social media message following the State of the Union, Marquez expressed gratitude for Trump’s invitation, extending his support for the dreams of Venezuelan migrants and a commitment to working together for change.