Demand for unconditional release of political prisoners amid lack of medical attention and earthquake risks

Human rights organizations, families of political prisoners, and civil society representatives in Venezuela are demanding the full and unconditional release of all individuals detained for political reasons. They issued a stark warning that the lives of dozens of inmates are in grave danger following the double earthquakes on June 24.

The groups denounced the worsening conditions within detention facilities, the lack of adequate medical attention, and the state's failure to respond to the escalating risks. The declaration was made during a press conference convened by the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners in Venezuela (Clippve), with support from organizations including Provea, Cofavic, and Foro Penal.

They urgently called for the immediate entry of independent international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The purpose would be to assess the health status of the detainees and verify the conditions within state-run penitentiary centers.

Martha Tineo, director of Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón (JEPVzla), read a joint statement emphasizing that the emergency caused by the earthquakes should not sideline the human rights agenda or the state's obligations to those deprived of liberty. "The humanitarian emergency Venezuela is experiencing cannot be used to relegate the human rights agenda. On the contrary, it confirms that the protection of life depends on the restoration of constitutional guarantees, the functioning of institutions, and the unrestricted respect for fundamental rights."

The statement also demanded regular access for family members and lawyers to detention centers. Furthermore, it called for independent technical inspections of prison infrastructure, citing fears that several jails may have sustained damage from the seismic events. Nearly a month after the earthquakes, the Venezuelan state has not provided information on the condition of penitentiary facilities or the status of political prisoners, despite repeated requests from families and human rights defenders.

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The humanitarian emergency Venezuela is experiencing cannot be used to relegate the human rights agenda. On the contrary, it confirms that the protection of life depends on the restoration of constitutional guarantees, the functioning of institutions, and the unrestricted respect for fundamental rights.