Youth centre in El Helicoide draws backlash over history rewrite

Published: 05 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Venezuela has announced a bold initiative to transform the notorious El Helicoide prison into a youth centre, aiming to rewrite the site’s dark history. The youth centre project, introduced by acting president Delcy Rodríguez, promises to provide cultural, sports, and commercial facilities for local communities and police families, signalling a dramatic shift from its infamous past. Activists, however, warn that the plan risks erasing decades of documented repression, arguing the site should instead preserve historical memory.

El Helicoide, originally conceived in the 1950s as a modernist shopping complex, became a symbol of political repression under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. The building, with its spiralling concrete ramps and abandoned commercial spaces, was converted into detention cells, where reports of torture and abuse were widespread. Under Maduro, the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (Sebin) oversaw harsh conditions, including beatings, electric shocks, and restrictions on family visits. Rodríguez, who previously supervised Sebin, now claims the youth centre will signal a new era of community engagement.

Critics argue that turning El Helicoide into a youth centre risks sanitising its history. Martha Tineo, coordinator of Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón, stated that while closure of the prison is welcome, the conversion should not erase its role as a torture site. She emphasised that the building could serve as a museum or memorial, similar to Argentina’s Escuela de Mecánica de la Armada, providing a space for truth-telling and reparation for victims.

For decades, the massive structure has reflected Venezuela’s turbulent history. Initially designed to be a futuristic shopping and leisure hub, El Helicoide never opened commercially. In the 1970s, it temporarily housed victims of natural disasters, but the overcrowding led to criminal activity. By the 1980s, the building became headquarters for intelligence services. Under Chávez, political dissidents were detained, and conditions worsened under Maduro, with abuse documented by human rights groups and international organisations.

Angel Godoy, an engineer and activist, spent nine months at El Helicoide after being arrested for monitoring electoral processes in 2024. Though he avoided physical torture, he was isolated from his family for months. Upon release, Godoy expressed relief but highlighted the plight of remaining political prisoners. Between 600 and 800 individuals are estimated to still be detained under the regime, facing limited rights even as an “amnesty” bill is proposed by Rodríguez.

The youth centre initiative forms part of broader reforms touted by Rodríguez as a step away from Maduro-era policies. Nevertheless, civil society groups warn that without transparency and consultation, the project may merely serve political optics rather than genuine reconciliation. Tineo highlighted that individuals wrongfully imprisoned, their families, and advocacy groups must be part of discussions about amnesty and the future of the site.

Rodríguez has indicated that the youth centre will cater to local communities and police families, offering recreational and cultural facilities. She claims it will be a symbol of Venezuela’s new direction, yet critics remain cautious. Many argue that genuine reform requires acknowledgment of historical abuses, comprehensive reparations, and accountability for past crimes. Without these measures, a youth centre may risk glossing over decades of systemic repression.

The proposal also raises questions about broader societal change in Venezuela. Recent legislation on oil industry reform faced similar criticism, with activists citing limited public debate and a lack of transparency. Observers warn that transforming El Helicoide into a youth centre without historical context might signal continuity rather than reform, reinforcing concerns about “Chavismo 3.0” under Rodríguez’s administration.

International human rights groups have stressed that any closure of El Helicoide should prioritize truth and accountability. They advocate for preserving evidence of abuses and ensuring that future generations understand the site’s significance. This approach, they argue, balances community development with historical remembrance, creating both educational opportunities and spaces for reflection.

Meanwhile, Rodríguez’s government is navigating domestic and international pressure to demonstrate reform. By proposing the youth centre, officials aim to redirect focus from past controversies and highlight cultural engagement. However, civil society actors caution that without meaningful inclusion of former detainees and independent oversight, such efforts may be insufficient in addressing long-standing grievances.

The youth centre plan has already sparked debate among Venezuelans and observers abroad. Supporters welcome investment in community facilities, but opponents insist that preserving historical memory is crucial. They contend that El Helicoide should not only house recreational spaces but also serve as a reminder of the consequences of political oppression.

As Venezuela grapples with its turbulent history, the transformation of El Helicoide represents both opportunity and risk. The project embodies aspirations for cultural revival while confronting the need for truth and justice. Its outcome will likely reflect the broader tension between political narrative and collective memory, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability, and civic participation.

Ultimately, the success of the youth centre depends on balancing community development with remembrance of past injustices. Without careful planning, there is concern the building could become a symbol of erased history rather than reconciliation. For many activists, the measure of progress will not be the facility itself, but whether political prisoners, victims, and civil society are meaningfully engaged in shaping its legacy.

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