CARACAS, Venezuela 2 May 2012 — Friends and relatives of prisoners inside the notorious La Planta Penitentiary in Caracas maintain a presence at the prison gates to ensure those inside are not transferred to facilities far from the capital. Prisoners inside rioted on Monday 30 April, sparking a 10-minute gun battle and speculation that authorities may move some of them to other institutions. I made a few quick images on my way from the airport to Caracas where I’ll be conducting a number of Backpack Journalism Workshops at universities here.
Below, the road to the city.
Below, traffic and billboards on the climb to my hotel.
Below, a view of Caracas from the 8th floor of my hotel.