Venezuela sentences three fishermen to six years in prison

A Venezuelan court specializing in terrorism has sentenced three artisanal fishermen from Falcón state to six years in prison. The defendants, identified as Roberto Pérez, Rafael Guedez, and Olbis Dirinot, were arrested on September 20, 2024, while returning from their fishing activities during the post-election period.

The Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners (Clippve) reported that the men face charges including terrorism, criminal association, extraction of strategic material, and electrical sabotage. The defense argued for full release, stating that no sufficient evidence was presented and noting contradictions in witness testimonies.

According to the families and human rights advocates, the Guardia Nacional Bolivariana (GNB) allegedly presented items such as rusted wind turbine cables, picks, and blades as evidence to support the charges. The trial, which began in April 2026 after nearly two years of detention, was conducted via telepresence from Falcón courts while the defendants' families attended the hearing at the Palace of Justice in Caracas.