Caracas, Nov 13 (EFE).- A group of relatives of detainees in a prison located in northern Venezuela held a vigil near the penitentiary center, which ended this Wednesday, to demand the freedom of those considered political prisoners and that -they maintain- can enjoy Christmas with their loved ones.
Through publications in relatives’ walk around the penitentiary center.
The protesters released white balloons, with the names of the detainees and “messages of freedom”, outside the San Francisco de Yare Prison, located in the state of Miranda, and also lit dozens of white candles with which they formed on the floor the word “justice.”
According to the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners, there are more than 300 detainees in that penitentiary center in the context of the post-electoral crisis, after the protests registered in rejection of the official result of the presidential elections of July 28, in which The National Electoral Council (CNE) proclaimed President Nicolás Maduro as the winner.
The largest opposition coalition in Venezuela – the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD) – joined the petition of the relatives to demand the freedom of all “Venezuelans who are behind bars for dissenting from the regime of Nicolás Maduro, before and after 28 of July.
“May this Christmas be without political prisoners and may freedom be the beginning of the peaceful change that we Venezuelans decisively chose,” said the PUD in X.
According to the NGO Foro Penal, there are 1,963 “political prisoners” in Venezuela, of which 1,836 were detained after the presidential elections, in which the PUD claims that its candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, won by a wide margin.
Of the total, 69 are minors and are between 14 and 17 years old, according to the organization, which claims to register “the largest number of prisoners for political purposes known in Venezuela, at least in the 21st century.”
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What are the Venezuelan families hoping for regarding the release of their loved ones during the holiday season?
## Venezuelans Demand Prisoner Release for Holidays
**Anchor:** We go now to Caracas, Venezuela where families of political prisoners are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Earlier this week, relatives held a vigil outside a prison demanding their release in time for Christmas. Joining us now is Maria Sanchez, a Venezuelan human rights activist who has been closely following this situation. Maria, thank you for joining us.
**Maria Sanchez:** Thank you for having me.
**Anchor:** Can you tell us about the situation with the prisoners and why their families are so determined to see them released before Christmas?
**Maria Sanchez:** The situation is dire. There are countless Venezuelans behind bars who are considered political prisoners. Many were detained during the recent crackdown on dissent following the election. Their families are desperate for them to be released so they can spend Christmas together. This holiday season is especially difficult for them as they yearn to be reunited with their loved ones.
**Anchor:** You mentioned a recent crackdown on dissent. Can you elaborate on what happened?
**Maria Sanchez:** Following the elections, the government launched a brutal crackdown on anyone perceived as critical. This included journalists, activists, and political opponents. Many were arrested on unfounded charges and subjected to inhumane conditions in overcrowded and unsanitary prisons.
**Anchor:** It is certainly a concerning situation. What are the families’ hopes for their loved ones’ release?
**Maria Sanchez:** They are praying for a Christmas miracle. The families are determined to keep the issue in the spotlight and are calling on the government to release these prisoners as a gesture of goodwill during the holidays. They believe their loved ones should be free and able to celebrate with their families.
**Anchor:** Maria Sanchez, thank you for shedding light on this situation. We’ll continue to follow this story closely.
**Maria Sanchez:** Thank you for having me.
