Venezuelan families protest for political prisoners' release in Caracas

Families of political prisoners gathered on the Francisco Fajardo highway near Plaza Venezuela in Caracas on Tuesday, calling for the immediate release of all detainees. The rally was organized by the Alliance for the Freedom of Political Prisoners and began at 10:20 a.m., with participants displaying signs that read “Libertad para todos los presos políticos.”

The protest remained largely peaceful but was met with confrontations from the National Bolivarian Police (PNB) and chavista colectivos. Video footage released by protest organizers shows a motorcyclist insulting a woman and a student journalist, Pedro Flores, being struck in the eye by an alleged infiltrator. Families also reported forceful dispersals by police and colectivos at the Plaza Venezuela distributor.

Activists highlighted the number of political detainees—372 according to Foro Penal—and urged international, especially U.S., support as the country approaches a planned democratic transition and dialogue beginning 1 August.