Related videos:
Families of political prisoners in Venezuela protested this Saturday near El Helicoide, one of the most emblematic detention centers in the country, demanding the release of the remaining political prisoners.
Families gathered at the entrance of El Helicoide and other prisons to denounce that they have not yet received clear official information about who and how many political prisoners will be released, nor has the release of new individuals been confirmed beyond the symbolic numbers announced so far.
"We don't know anything," expressed the protesters, joined by members of the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners (CLIPPVE), who have been gathered awaiting official confirmations and are demanding the release of all prisoners of conscience.
The protest occurs amid a backdrop of partial releases that have generated caution and frustration among activists and human rights defenders, within a context of changes in the country following the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
Organizations like Foro Penal have recorded the release of some detainees, but they warn that the majority of the more than 800 political prisoners in the country still remain behind bars and without official information regarding their cases.
Relatives, human rights defenders, and activists also announced a vigil and prayers around the prison, hoping that the authorities will expedite a process they consider essential for genuine democratic reform and respect for fundamental rights.
The demands of families come amid a reported process of releases by the Venezuelan government, which has been presented as a gesture towards peace and national reconciliation. However, the lack of transparency in the release of prisoners and the slow pace of the liberations have generated skepticism among the opposition.
The opposition member Edmundo Gonzalez pointed out that "not even 1% of the announced releases have been achieved."
The tension surrounding this issue reflects the deep concern of Venezuelans for the situation of their loved ones detained in centers like El Helicoide, where human rights organizations have documented cases of arbitrary detentions, prolonged isolation, torture, and violations of basic rights.
Filed under: