Venezuelan opposition leaders decry political repression and urge early presidential election

Former political prisoner Jesús Alemán recounted severe torture during his detention by Venezuelan security forces, describing asphyxiation, beatings, electric shocks and unsanitary cells. He said the experience left lasting physical and psychological damage and noted that "there are more than 500 political prisoners still in Venezuela." Now living in exile in Madrid, Alemán stressed that "forgive is not the same as giving up the demand for justice."

Ex‑governor César Pérez Vivas returned to Táchira after nearly two years abroad and warned that regional elections are a "chimera" under the current regime. He called for justice for victims of political repression, highlighted widespread police checkpoints, the confiscation of hundreds of media outlets, and the erosion of economic and civil rights. Pérez Vivas urged the opposition to pursue a short‑term presidential election as the only viable path to restore democracy in Venezuela.