Venezuela protesters demand release of political prisoners

Families and civil society groups in Venezuela are intensifying protests to demand the release of political prisoners and investigations into human rights violations.

In Caracas, demonstrators gathered at Plaza O’Leary near the Miraflores Palace to demand that acting President Delcy Rodríguez order new releases. Members of the Committee for the Freedom of Venezuelan Political Prisoners (Clippve) delivered a document to the Presidency reporting on detainees, including 37 individuals in critical health conditions. The group noted that over 400 families are awaiting the return of their relatives.

In Maturín, a vigil was held at the Cathedral plaza by civil society members and Vente Venezuela supporters. Human rights defender María Milagros Adrián reported that approximately 335 political prisoners remain in custody nationwide, with 22 currently in the Monagas state. Advocates highlighted cases of forced disappearances and the lack of information regarding the whereabouts and health of detainees, calling for state accountability and reparations for those held in detention centers.