Venezuelan Academy of Political Sciences awards Foro Penal for human rights defense

The Venezuelan Academy of Political and Social Sciences (Acienpol) has honored the non-governmental organization Foro Penal with its "Juan Germán Roscio" Order. This prestigious award recognizes Foro Penal's continuous efforts in defending, promoting, and protecting human rights, as well as its crucial legal assistance to political prisoners within the country.

Alfredo Romero and Gonzalo Himiob, directors and founding members of Foro Penal, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Both expressed deep gratitude for the recognition from such a distinguished institution. Romero stated, "Very grateful and honored by this recognition from such a distinguished institution," while Himiob added, "Immense honor that the Academy of Political and Social Sciences grants us by unanimously awarding the Juan Germán Roscio Order, recognition that strengthens us and drives us to continue our fight for human rights."

The "Juan Germán Roscio" Order was established by Acienpol to acknowledge outstanding achievements in the fields of legal sciences, teaching, research, and civic life. The order is named in homage to Juan Germán Roscio, a prominent jurist, thinker, and signatory of Venezuela's independence act, widely regarded as a pioneer in conceptualizing citizen rights in Latin America.

Foro Penal operates with a substantial network of hundreds of pro-bono lawyers and active defenders across Venezuela. The organization's databases and regular reports serve as essential references for international bodies monitoring human rights in the region.