Vente Venezuela leader detained during Maracaibo protest

Fernando Torrealba, a leader within the Vente Venezuela political organization in Zulia, was reportedly detained by members of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) in Maracaibo. The incident occurred during the “Gran Rodada Nacional por la Libertad,” a peaceful demonstration and caravan organized by Vente Venezuela.

The protest aimed to support the return of María Corina Machado, demand the release of political prisoners, and call for an electoral schedule for the 2027 presidential elections. According to the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners (CLIPPVE) and Vente Venezuela’s human rights wing, Torrealba was intercepted at Prolongación Delicias while participating in the event.

Human rights organizations have characterized the detention as arbitrary and have demanded immediate information regarding Torrealba’s whereabouts and physical integrity. As of the reports, official details regarding the specific circumstances of the arrest or the current location of the detained leader have not been provided by security forces.