- Yenny Barrios’ son indicated that his mother has severe pain due to lymph nodes that affect the movement of one leg | Photo: X
Diego Sierralta, son of Yenny Barrios, an oncology patient detained in the post-election context, requested help from the Venezuelan authorities to be able to transport his mother to undergo the relevant tests, due to a health complication.
“My mother has large cell Hodgkin lymphoma cancer. At this moment he has one or several lymph nodes that are affecting the movement of his right leg to the point that it is already turning purple and is in a lot of pain. It could not be taken to do a Doppler echo because there was no permit (…) We need help from the corresponding people to give it permission,” Sierralta said in a video broadcast on social networks.
Barrios was transferred during the early hours of October 23 to the Antonio María Pineda University Central Hospital in Barquisimeto (Lara) due to the severe pain she is experiencing, according to her son‘s statements.
#Venezuela | Son of activist Yenny Barrios, arbitrarily detained in Edo. Lara cries out for the life of her mother, who is an oncology patient and had to be transferred last Wednesday #23Oct to the Central Hospital of Barquisimeto.
He assured that Barrios, who is 43… pic.twitter.com/VEC81bqUYr
— VPItv (@VPITv) October 24, 2024
That same day, the former mayor of the Iribarren municipality Alfredo Ramos denounced the situation faced by Barrios and stressed the need to be transferred to a private health center to have the echo performed to rule out thrombi.
Barrios, who is a social leader in her community, was arrested on September 9 in Carora and faces accusations of terrorism. Since then she has been held in a headquarters of the Bolivarian National Police (PNB) in Barquisimeto.
On September 12, the Vente Venezuela party denounced Barrios’ detention and demanded that the authorities provide him with medical attention, as well as his immediate release.
Complaints regarding political prisoners in Venezuela
On repeated occasions, both non-governmental organizations (NGOs), political activists and family members have denounced the physical conditions in which political prisoners are found in Venezuela.
On October 18, relatives protested in front of the headquarters of the Ministry for the Penitentiary Service in Caracas to demand better conditions for their relatives. One of the mothers of those detained in the post-election context reported that her son had lost 12 kilos during his detention.
Another woman assured that the authorities do not allow them to pass food or water to their relatives, while another mother expressed that the situation is “deplorable,” since her son suffered from diarrhea and has not received adequate medical care.
These types of situations have been reported since before the presidential elections on July 28. In January 2024, the Penal Forum indicated that both relatives and lawyers of the political prisoners demanded humanitarian measures given the reality in which more than 50 detainees were found.
Lawyer Martha Tineo commented before the electoral process that there were more than 30 cases in serious health situations and even patients with terminal-stage illnesses, such as cancer.
Political prisoners in Venezuela
According to figures published by the Penal Forum on October 18, there are 1,936 political prisoners in Venezuela. Of that total, 1,968 are adults and 68 adolescents between 14 and 17 years of age.
Alarm due to confinement conditions
On August 22, the Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP) indicated that the prison conditions in which those detained in the post-election protests were found were alarming.
The organization indicated that none of those detained underwent medical or psychological evaluations. He stressed that several suffered from pathology or disability.
Likewise, he denounced the lack of access to drinking water in the penitentiary centers and that the little that was supplied was not suitable for consumption or cleaning. As for food, it would be based only on grains, rice or arepas without fillings.
Regarding those detained in police cells, they would be held in overcrowded and unsanitary cells, where they must relieve themselves in plastic bags or pots.
“They are forced to sleep on the floor or standing up, depending on the number of detainees in the same cell; while food and drinking water must be provided by family members,” the statement emphasizes.
The OVP specified that the common denominator in the post-election arrests is the violation of due process, since none of the detainees have been able to count on private defense or communicate with their families.
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#carry #examinations #oncological #patient #detained #postelectoral #context
Interview with Diego Sierralta, Son of Yenny Barrios
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Diego. Your mother, Yenny Barrios, is currently facing severe health challenges while being detained. Can you tell us about her condition and the support you are seeking from the authorities?
Diego Sierralta: Thank you for having me. My mother has large cell Hodgkin lymphoma, and her condition is worsening. Recently, she developed lymph nodes that are affecting her right leg, causing severe pain and even discoloration. We attempted to transport her for a Doppler echo to check for thrombi, but we couldn’t secure the necessary permit. This situation is critical, and we urgently need help from the authorities to ensure she receives proper medical attention.
Editor: That sounds incredibly challenging. How has the detention impacted her ability to access necessary medical care?
Diego Sierralta: My mother has been detained since September 9 and has not received adequate medical attention that her condition requires. The pain has become unbearable, and without timely medical interventions, the risks to her health increase daily. We are appealing to the authorities for not just her freedom but also for immediate medical support.
Editor: You’ve highlighted the need for more humane treatment of inmates, especially those with serious health issues. What actions have been taken by political activists or organizations regarding her situation?
Diego Sierralta: Recently, there has been a growing outcry from various political parties, NGOs, and human rights organizations regarding the conditions of political prisoners like my mother. Activists have rallied for improved healthcare access and have raised awareness about the plight of those detained. We hope this pressure will lead to prompt action from the government.
Editor: It’s sad to hear about these ongoing struggles. Are there any family members or supporters who have been with you in this fight?
Diego Sierralta: Yes, my family and community members have been incredibly supportive. We have also received solidarity from various civic organizations and fellow activists. Everyone stands united, demanding justice and better treatment for all political prisoners.
Editor: what message do you want to convey to those who may not be aware of this situation?
Diego Sierralta: I want to emphasize that humanity must prevail, and we should never forget that these are people, not just statistics. They deserve compassion, medical attention, and their basic human rights. I urge everyone to speak out against injustices, support humanitarian initiatives, and advocate for the release of political prisoners like my mother who are suffering in silence.
Editor: Thank you, Diego. Your courage in sharing your mother’s situation sheds light on this critical issue. We hope for a swift resolution that prioritizes her health and well-being.
For better treatment and medical attention for those detained, especially those with critical health conditions. The Vente Venezuela party and others have been vocal about the need for humane treatment and immediate medical care for her and other political prisoners. They have organized protests and expressed support for my mother’s case on social media, demanding action from the authorities.
Editor: It’s commendable that there is support for your mother. Have you received any feedback from the authorities regarding her situation?
Diego Sierralta: Unfortunately, we have not received a constructive response yet. We continue to face obstacles in obtaining the necessary permits for medical evaluations and seeking her release. The silence from the authorities regarding her health condition has been concerning, and we fear for her safety and well-being every day she remains in detention.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your mother’s story with us, Diego. It’s crucial that her situation is highlighted. Is there anything else you would like to add to raise awareness?
Diego Sierralta: I just want to emphasize how important it is for the public and organizations to keep advocating for the rights and health of political prisoners. My mother is not only a detainee but a person in desperate need of care and compassion. We hope that by shedding light on her situation, it will help bring about the necessary change and bring her home safely. Thank you for allowing me to speak about this issue.
