Venezuela: Families Demand Political Prisoner Release as Priority in Dialogue

Relatives of political prisoners in Venezuela are intensifying their calls for the release of detainees, demanding it be the primary agenda item in the upcoming dialogue between the 2015 National Assembly and the interim government, scheduled for August 1.

The Alliance for the Freedom of Political Prisoners held a press conference, emphasizing that political advancements cannot be meaningful without the liberation of those imprisoned for political reasons. "It is fundamental that the first point on that dialogue table is the freedom of all political prisoners, because we cannot have a free country with political prisoners behind bars," stated Mayra Morales, sister of political prisoner Ricardo Fonseca.

The group has maintained a continuous vigil outside the U.S. Embassy in Caracas since June 7, hoping the U.S. diplomatic mission will facilitate efforts for their family members' release. With the resumption of political talks, they see a renewed opportunity for their demands to be addressed by the National Assembly and the delegation led by former deputy Dinorah Figuera.

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It is fundamental that the first point on that dialogue table is the freedom of all political prisoners, because we cannot have a free country with political prisoners behind bars.

Jessica Castro, a relative of Gustavo Hernández, who is linked to the failed 2020 maritime incursion attempt known as Operation Gideon, urged the opposition delegation to personally review the cases. "We ask Mrs. Figuera to listen directly to all the relatives who are here and in each of the detention centers, to reopen the cases and to be heard," she pleaded.

Political dialogue between the government and opposition factions began on June 18 but was interrupted by earthquakes in late June that caused significant loss of life. The talks are set to resume on August 1, focusing on strengthening democracy amidst the ongoing recovery from the natural disaster. Concerns have also been raised about the precarious conditions within detention centers, with recent reports detailing alleged mistreatment of inmates.

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We ask Mrs. Figuera to listen directly to all the relatives who are here and in each of the detention centers, to reopen the cases and to be heard.