Denounced: Zulia Judicial Circuit Ex-President's 2024 Arrest Linked to Refusal of Request from Cilia Flores's Godmother

Pedro Velasco Prieto, who served as president of the Zulia Judicial Circuit, was arrested and detained in El Rodeo I prison in late 2024. His family alleges that his detention stemmed from his refusal to comply with a request connected to Cilia Flores, the wife of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

According to journalist Maryorin Méndez, who met with Velasco's mother, Luisa Prieto Briceño, Velasco was appointed president of the Maracaibo Criminal Judicial Circuit in mid-2024. Shortly after, he was reportedly implicated in investigations related to alleged plans to disrupt Nicolás Maduro's 2025 inauguration.

Upon assuming his role, Velasco encountered a legal conflict between two families, the Rincóns and Linares, who own shrimp farms in Zulia state. Miriam Morandi, identified as a godmother to Cilia Flores, was among the legal representatives for one of the parties involved in the dispute. Reports suggest that Velasco was expected to make decisions that could influence the outcome of this litigation, but he allegedly did not fulfill the request made to him.

Following his refusal, Velasco was arrested within the judicial circuit premises. His mother, Luisa Prieto Briceño, has publicly appealed for his release, along with that of other political prisoners, expressing her deep sorrow and solidarity with other mothers in similar situations.

In addition to Velasco, five other individuals were detained in connection with the case: three judges, two prosecutors, and one military officer. Velasco's name also appeared in government-affiliated media, linked to an alleged plot called "No to Christmas," which the government claimed was a plan to prevent Maduro's swearing-in on January 10, 2025.