Family of detained Venezuelan major joins vigil at U.S. Embassy

Family members of Venezuelan Army Major César Alejandro Girón Contreras joined a vigil outside the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, demanding his release and protesting the lack of evidence supporting the accusations against him. They are calling for international attention to the situation of those detained for political reasons in Venezuela.

Liuzbeth Girón, the major's sister, stated that her relative has been subjected to an unfair process. "There is no evidence against him. They were detained on two occasions, and the second time they imposed charges that are being investigated," she said. The family maintains that the military officer remains imprisoned solely due to an indirect familial connection to a "deserter" officer under investigation by Venezuelan authorities.

The vigil also highlighted the presence of Jesús Emmanuel, Major Girón's newborn son, and his mother, Sergeant Milagros Molina. Both parents were detained, and the child was born while they were held at the Ramo Verde military prison. Sergeant Molina was released on March 6th with her son, after nearly a year in detention. However, Major Girón remains incarcerated as a criminal military investigation related to Sergeant Julio Ramírez, the husband of Molina's sister, progresses.

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There is no evidence against him. They were detained on two occasions, and the second time they imposed charges that are being investigated.

Both military personnel were arrested on April 13, 2025, during an operation by the Directorate General of Military Counterintelligence (Dgcim) at their home in Santa Rita, Aragua state. After 38 days, which they described as a case of "forced disappearance," they were presented before a military tribunal. They were charged with alleged crimes of "treason," "incitement to rebellion," "disobedience," and other offenses related to the security of the armed forces.

As the vigil continues outside the U.S. diplomatic mission, Girón's relatives insist on his release due to the lack of evidence demonstrating his responsibility in the investigated events.

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They were accused of 'treason to the homeland,' 'incitement to rebellion,' 'disobedience,' and other charges related to the security of the Armed Forces.