Guanipa demands full release of political prisoners in Venezuela

Opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa has called for the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Venezuela, speaking at a community gathering in Valencia's La Isabelica sector. The event, focused on the plight of political detainees, also included discussions on the nation's broader economic and political landscape.

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Anyone who has been held for even an hour without committing any crime is being subjected to a deep aggression of their human dignity.

Guanipa cited figures from the NGO Foro Penal, stating that more than 389 Venezuelans are currently imprisoned for political reasons. He condemned these detentions as arbitrary and a profound violation of human dignity. "Anyone who has been held for even an hour without committing any crime is being subjected to a deep aggression of their human dignity," Guanipa asserted.

He further demanded the complete restoration of civil rights for all those affected, emphasizing their right to be reunited with their families and for the state to provide reparations for the inflicted damages. The event, which took place without electricity, featured testimonies from relatives and former political prisoners, including Neyda Leal, Yufranny Márquez, Alexandra Rico, Aníbal Caraban, and Grisaury Paz.

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They must be fully and unconditionally free so they can reunite with their families and the state can compensate, through reparation, for the damages inflicted against them and their loved ones.

Regional leaders from Vente Venezuela and former political prisoners Albany Colmenares and Nikoll Arteaga also participated. Colmenares spoke about the widespread suffering, extending beyond those incarcerated to include exiles and families bearing the burden of supporting detainees. Arteaga highlighted the importance of public denunciation and mutual support within communities.

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The pain has not only been for those of us who have been behind bars, but for those who have fled the country, for those who have had to hide their organizations' shirts, and for the families who bear the responsibility of trying to dignify the situation of those who remain unjustly detained.

Concluding the event, Guanipa shared his perspective on Venezuela's future, expressing optimism. "I see an optimistic country, a country that feels it sees the light at the end of the tunnel, that knows its country will be free," he stated, reflecting what he perceives as the public's expectation for change.

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I see an optimistic country, a country that feels it sees the light at the end of the tunnel, that knows its country will be free.