A Delta Quadrant species living as a minority under Nygean rule, who make up a disproportionate share of Nygean prisoners and of those condemned to death.
The Benkarans are a humanoid species seen in the Voyager episode Repentance. They live within Nygean society, where they are widely assumed to be criminals. Although a small part of the population, they fill a large part of its prisons and receive harsher sentences than Nygeans convicted of the same crimes.
Voyager takes aboard the warden and inmates of a damaged Nygean prison ship carrying men to their executions. One, the Benkaran Joleg, tells Neelix that he was condemned because of what he is, and Neelix's research into Nygean justice confirms the bias.
Neelix helps him to send a plea to the family of his victim, who under Nygean law decide the punishment. Joleg is in fact arranging an escape, and takes hostages when his allies attack, which leaves Neelix feeling used even though the injustice is real.