- Lawyer Eduardo Torres requested access to the file to learn about the accusations against the activist | Photo: EFE
Venezuelan activist and journalist Carlos Julio Rojas spent 200 days in detention, his wife, Francy Fernández, denounced in a statement on Friday, November 1. He assured that the leader remains “arbitrarily” at the headquarters of the Bolivarian Intelligence Service (Sebin) in Caracas.
For his part, the lawyer of the activist Eduardo Torres demanded that due process and the right to the appointment of private defense be guaranteed, in addition to access to the files to learn about the accusations against Rojas.
The journalist was arrested on April 15 in the La Candelaria parish of Caracas and is accused of the crimes of association, terrorism, conspiracy, instigation to commit a crime and attempted assassination, as detailed by the attorney general, Tarek William Saab, in a post on his X account on April 15.
The assassination attempt that Rojas is accused of is related to an alleged plan to assassinate Nicolás Maduro during the registration of his candidacy, on March 25, for the presidential elections of July 28.
The relatives of journalist Carlos Rojas reported on May 27 that the detainee suffers from health conditions due to problems with his blood pressure, for which they asked the authorities to allow him a review by a cardiologist.
The reactions of various NGOs
Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have spoken out in rejection of the arrest and charges against the journalist. The Venezuelan Human Rights Action Education Program (Provea) demanded in March the location of Rojas’ whereabouts and respect for due process.
“The State must ensure his life and integrity, in addition to investigating the facts,” Provea wrote in X.
In May, the NGO Amnesty International also demanded the release of Carlos Julio Rojas, as well as other political prisoners. He asked that the allegations of torture and other ill-treatment against activist Javier Tarazona and lawyer Rocío San Miguel be investigated impartially and independently.
More than 150 opponents arrested
On October 2, the Vente Venezuela party counted 154 opposition leaders arbitrarily detained, including people who held elected positions when they were arrested.
Of that total, 41 of those arrested are part of this political organizationamong them: Julio Itriago, María Oropeza, Dignora Hernández and Ricardo Estévez.
The training, as well as various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), assure that these people did not commit any crime, which is why – they insist – they are detained for reasons of conscience.
Political prisoners in Venezuela
The Penal Forum reported on October 29 that there are at least 1,958 political prisoners in Venezuela. 1,828 of the arrests occurred in the post-election context.
According to the balance sheet, 1,715 of those detained are men and 243 women. Regarding ages, 1,889 are adults and 69 adolescents between 14 and 17 years of age.
The NGO explained that since the week of October 21, five imprisonments and 148 convictions were reported, while 1,810 of those detained have not yet received a precautionary measure.
With information from EFE
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#demand #private #defense #Carlos #Julio #Rojas
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This environment of repression has raised alarm among human rights organizations, which advocate for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Venezuela. They express concern for the well-being and safety of individuals detained for their political beliefs, highlighting the need for international attention to the ongoing human rights violations in the country.
As the situation develops, the families of the detained activists continue to seek justice and clarity on the charges against their loved ones, while NGOs relentlessly campaign for their rights and freedoms to be upheld.
The mounting number of arrests reflects a broader pattern of political repression in Venezuela, prompting calls for international intervention and support for the restoration of democratic processes in the nation.
