Venezuela frees last adolescent political prisoner, E. P., after nearly a year in custody
On 8 July 2026, the NGO Foro Penal confirmed the release of the last remaining adolescent political prisoner in Venezuela. Identified as Enyerberth Porras (initials E.P.), he had been detained since 25 March 2025 after being arrested by the CICPC in the state of Táchira during an operation at two homes.
Foro Penal said the arrest was irregular, noting that the CICPC fabricated a situation of “flagrante” capture and did not present a judicial warrant. Authorities had accused the teenager of leading a sophisticated cyber‑crime network that allegedly siphoned more than US$10 million from state accounts, including the Banco de Venezuela and the Sistema Patria pension fund.
The release was announced on X with the message “5:00 pm Ahora. Acaba de ser excarcelado el único preso político adolescente.” The case remains pending in court. Foro Penal estimates there are 372 political prisoners in Venezuela, 347 men and 25 women, with 214 civilians and 158 military personnel.
The adolescent’s freedom follows a broader pattern of contested detentions and international criticism of Venezuela’s handling of political opposition.