Various citizen platforms, human rights organizations, and social justice advocates have raised serious concerns and sounded the alarm regarding the dire and ongoing situation of Fredy Rosaendo Valencia, a Colombian inmate currently held at the Calama Penitentiary Compliance Center in northern Chile. On November 5, in a shocking and desperate act of protest, Valencia sewed his own mouth shut after already enduring 24 consecutive days of a hunger strike.
The inmate has consistently proclaimed his innocence and has strongly alleged multiple irregularities and procedural flaws in the judicial process that ultimately led to his conviction and five-year prison sentence. This extreme form of self-harm immediately triggered an urgent medical response from prison authorities.
Valencia was promptly transferred for emergency medical evaluation and treatment. He remains under strict medical observation as his overall physical condition has deteriorated sharply. Reports indicate a significant and alarming weight loss of nearly 15 kilograms resulting from the prolonged hunger strike, raising serious worries about his long-term health and stability.
The case has drawn increasing public attention both inside Chile and internationally, particularly within Colombian expatriate communities and human rights networks. In light of the growing scrutiny and the severity of the situation, Chilean authorities have officially confirmed that the entire matter will be referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. This step aims to ensure a thorough review of the case, verify the claims made by Valencia, and determine the appropriate legal and administrative next steps moving forward.The incident has sparked broader discussions about prison conditions, inmates’ rights to protest, and the transparency of judicial procedures in high-profile cases involving foreign nationals.
