DistantNews
Support us
🇻🇪 Venezuela /Health & Science

Ombudsman's Office monitors hospitalized Venezuelan-Uruguayan citizen; rights advocates call for his full release

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Venezuelan-Uruguayan citizen José Ricardo Breijo, 73, is hospitalized and under the care of the Ombudsman's Office.
  • Breijo's condition has improved, and the Ombudsman's Office is monitoring his medical and social situation.
  • Human rights defenders are calling for Breijo's full release on his birthday, citing mistreatment during his imprisonment.

Venezuelan-Uruguayan citizen José Ricardo Breijo, 73, is currently hospitalized at the Clínicas Caracas Hospital, where he has been receiving care since May 27. Officials from the Ombudsman's Office conducted a follow-up visit to monitor his case and assess his medical progress.

The best gift they can give Pepe on his birthday is to grant him his full freedom, as he remains under house arrest today.

— Carlos Julio RojasHuman rights defender calling for Breijo's release on his birthday.

The visit was ordered by Ombudsman Eglée González, who stated it reflects the office's commitment to defending human rights. A multidisciplinary team is providing support for Breijo's medical and social needs. Reports indicate that Breijo has overcome the critical condition he experienced two weeks prior, and the office is working to ensure his physical integrity and well-being.

On his birthday, human rights defender Carlos Julio Rojas highlighted Breijo's "deplorable physical condition" upon returning home after two and a half years of imprisonment in Tocuyito jail. Rojas alleged that Breijo suffered cruel and inhumane treatment, with his weight dropping from 120 kg to 62 kg. Rojas urged for Breijo's full release, noting he remains under house arrest.

deplorable physical condition

— Carlos Julio RojasDescribing Breijo's state after imprisonment.

Breijo was released to house arrest on May 22. Upon returning to his home, he found it had been invaded by a police officer. After spending a night outside his residence, he was able to reclaim his home the following day.

cruel and inhumane treatment

— Carlos Julio RojasAlleging mistreatment of Breijo during his incarceration.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog