Venezuela: Families of political prisoners denied meeting at U.S. Embassy

Relatives of political prisoners in Venezuela were denied the opportunity to deliver a letter to the U.S. Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires, John Barrett, in Caracas. The group, maintaining a camp outside the embassy, had arranged to submit a communication seeking support for the release of their detained family members.

“

All the relatives who are active here at the embassy, both those who stay overnight and those who come to accompany us, went down to the door of the U.S. Embassy.

Gabriela Álvarez, whose husband has been detained for five years, explained that the families descended from their camp to the embassy entrance to hand over the document. They had reportedly received prior notification that the letter would be accepted after a media event.

“

At no time did we block the street or anything; rather, all the relatives were waiting on the sidewalk.

However, after hours of waiting, the families were informed that the meeting would not take place. Álvarez stated that they had complied with security instructions and remained in pedestrian areas, not blocking any streets. The reason given for the refusal, she said, was that social media images had been misinterpreted as a protest, leading officials to believe the situation was confrontational.

“

They told us they couldn't attend to us because, thanks to some photos that had been posted, they thought it was a protest activity in front of the embassy.

Since May 7, these families have been gathering near the U.S. diplomatic mission, appealing for international intervention to secure the release of political prisoners, including activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens. Álvarez emphasized that their intention is not to confront the U.S. delegation but to seek their assistance as "guardians of the Venezuelan state" during this critical time for the families.

“

We are not here to demand, we are not here generating protests that could cause them any harm, but we are simply here asking that, as guardians of the Venezuelan state, please help us at this very important time for us, the families.