Caracas, Nov 11 (EFE).- Dozens of Venezuelan politicians who this year promoted an option that would put an end to the Chavista Government, through the July 28 elections, They are behind bars today. According to NGO records, About 170 party members and activists are now prisoners Most of them accused of terrorism.
Almost all of them were arrested in the days after the elections, in which President Nicolás Maduro was officially re-elected, after which the main opposition coalition – Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD) – claimed fraud and a crisis that shook international politics was unleashed. , with post-election protests and a wave of arrests.
While the Executive speaks of 2,400 detainees in this context, non-governmental organizations estimate that the number ranges between 1,700 and 1,800, which reveals that 10% correspond to politicians, properly affiliated with different parties, who They went from shouting slogans in the streets to fighting for their freedom behind bars.
“Criminalized” dissidence
For lawyer Martha Tineo, from the NGO Justicia Encuentro y Perdón (JEP), There is “a worsening in the execution of persecution for political reasons in Venezuela”where Justice issued an arrest warrant against the PUD presidential candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, which led him to go into exile in Spain since September 8.
“This position contrary to power has been criminalized (…) we are not necessarily talking about opposition, but rather about any exercise or position that power considers contrary to its interests,” said the jurist, recalling that, in addition to grassroots politicians, there are human rights activists, union leaders, journalists and students on the lists of “prisoners of conscience.”
“This persecution, more than selective, becomes generalized”Tineo stressed to EFE.
All of them – including 69 teenagers -, in the eyes of Chavismo, are involved in conspiracies to overthrow Maduro, whose victory at the polls has not been recognized by numerous countries, which have asked the electoral body to publish some support that confirms that result, since González Urrutia claims that he won the Presidency and released voting records to strengthen his claim, although the Executive claims that they are false.
While questions about the elections persist, 170 politicians have spent days in prison, a number of activists that is equivalent to imprisoning half of the country’s mayors or a police raid that would have emptied all the seats in Parliament in 2015, when the Chamber was made up of 167 deputies.
Tineo explains that, before July 28 – according to JEP records -, barely 1% of those considered political prisoners had real affiliation to a formation, a reality that changed, he believes, under this “exemplary punishment” that seeks “discourage citizen participation”, especially with regard to post-election claims.
The “pattern” of incarceration
«Arrests for political reasons in Venezuela usually follow a pattern, It all starts with an arbitrary arrest“says the lawyer, after denouncing that these arrests were carried out without those affected being in flagrante delicto or having been the subject of a criminal investigation, although the Prosecutor’s Office links the majority of those captured with alleged coup or assassination plans.
Then, the jurist continues, there is “a denial of the right to defense”Because – he assures – none of the imprisoned politicians have been allowed to appoint a trusted lawyer and, on the contrary, the State has exclusively assigned public defenders who, in some cases, have “never” met with their clients.
Added to this – he continued – is the need to overcome the problems in prison to access “due medical care”, food or drinking water, while they spend their days thinking about the possibility of being sentenced to the maximum sentence, of 30 years, for be accused of the most serious crimes in the legal system.
“All (these cases) are being heard before special anti-terrorism courts, which are only based in Caracas (…) they are being taken to trial without being able to defend themselves against anything,” Tineo highlighted, after explaining that the hearings before the judge have been celebrated virtually, with the prisoner hearing the charges against him from his place of confinement.
.
#politics #prison #story #dozens #Venezuelans
**Interview with Martha Tineo, Lawyer at Justicia Encuentro y Perdón (JEP)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Martha. As we understand from recent reports, there is a significant number of Venezuelan politicians and activists behind bars following the elections in July. Can you provide us with an overview of the current situation regarding political prisoners in Venezuela?
**Martha Tineo:** Thank you for having me. Indeed, the situation is alarming. Currently, we have approximately 170 politicians and party activists imprisoned, most facing accusations of terrorism. This is amidst a broader context where the state claims over 2,400 detainees, while NGOs estimate between 1,700 and 1,800. What’s crucial to note is that about 10% of these individuals are affiliated with political parties and have transitioned from protest to fighting for their freedom behind bars.
**Editor:** It sounds like there has been a shift in how the government is dealing with dissent. You mentioned a “worsening” of political persecution. Can you elaborate on that point?
**Martha Tineo:** Absolutely. The Venezuelan government has increasingly criminalized any dissenting opinion. They do not only target traditional opposition figures but have broadened their scope to include a wide range of voices—human rights activists, journalists, labor leaders, and even students. This is indicative of a generalized persecution and suppression of any stance that could be viewed as contrary to the government’s interests.
**Editor:** What do you think has prompted this escalation in arrests and persecution following the July elections?
**Martha Tineo:** The official re-election of Nicolás Maduro was met with wide allegations of fraud by the primary opposition coalition, the Democratic Unitary Platform. This likely triggered the government’s crackdown, aiming to deter any post-election protests and dissent. By arresting prominent figures, they send a message to intimidate anyone thinking of opposing them.
**Editor:** Edmundo González Urrutia, the opposition presidential candidate, is currently in exile following an arrest warrant. What does this indicate about the state of the political climate in Venezuela?
**Martha Tineo:** González’s situation embodies the desperation many face in Venezuela. The fact that he felt compelled to flee speaks volumes about the risks associated with political opposition in this environment. It is not merely about winning elections anymore; it is a struggle for survival and freedom amid a regime that has increasingly resorted to authoritarian practices.
**Editor:** Lastly, Martha, how can the international community support Venezuelan political prisoners and those who are fighting for democracy?
**Martha Tineo:** The international community plays a crucial role. Diplomatic pressure, calls for the release of prisoners, and support for human rights organizations working on the ground are vital. Additionally, raising awareness about the plight of these individuals can help keep global attention focused on Venezuela and encourage more comprehensive actions to promote democracy and human rights.
**Editor:** Thank you, Martha, for shedding light on this grave situation. Your insights are invaluable as we continue to monitor developments in Venezuela.
**Martha Tineo:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a future where all Venezuelans can freely express their beliefs without fear of persecution.
