Venezuela faces legal pressure and protests over political prisoners

In Venezuela, the U.S. Department of Justice has proposed that the trial for Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, who face narcotics charges, begin in June 2027. Maduro has called for the dismissal of the case, citing immunity.

Simultaneously, civil society organizations and families of detainees are demanding the immediate release of political prisoners and the establishment of an “authentic electoral route.” According to Foro Penal, as of August 31, there are 328 political prisoners in the country, consisting of 317 men and 11 women. Of these, 183 are civilians and 145 are military personnel. The organization reports that 140 individuals have been convicted, while 188 remain without a sentence.

Families recently denounced the arbitrary transfer of detainees from the El Rodeo I penitentiary in Miranda state. Organizations such as the Comité por la Libertad de los Presos Políticos (CLIPPVE) reported that 32 people were moved on September 2, including nine individuals transferred to Fuerte Guaicaipuro, without prior notification to their families.