- The CNP denounced that the statement has scheduled a surgical intervention for September 6, despite his poor health.
The National College of Journalists (CNP) reported on Thursday, September 5, that the lawyer for journalist Ramón Centeno, Detman Mirabal Arismendi, filed a request before a Court for the National Service of Forensic Medicine and Science (SENAMECF) to perform a physical and mental evaluation on the journalist, due to his delicate state of health.
In a post on the social network X, the CNP reported that Centeno, who is hospitalized at the Domingo Luciani Hospital (El Llanito), in Miranda state, is scheduled to undergo surgery on September 6, despite suffering from severe hypertension and being medicated for a “worrying” psychiatric condition.
“(Centeno) presents a serious psychiatric condition, with an acute episode. Based on this, I request that he be evaluated by the psychiatry department or area of Senamecf to determine the physical and mental state of my client,” reads the document drafted by the journalist’s lawyer.
On September 4, the non-governmental organization (NGO) Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón warned that Ramón Centeno, detained for political reasons since 2022, cannot undergo surgery due to a hypertensive crisis, a product of his delicate mental and emotional state.
The NGO said it had received complaints about “pressure” on doctors “to perform the procedure, even though it poses a serious risk to Centeno’s life.”
“We call on the authorities to deal with this case urgently in order to guarantee the necessary medical attention until he can be operated on, as the State is obliged to protect the lives of the people in its custody. The life of journalist Ramón Centeno is currently in danger,” the organization added.
They have been requesting medical attention since 2023
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In March 2023, Centeno’s relatives asked Venezuelan authorities to provide medical care for the journalist.
At that time, they assured that Centeno’s public defender He requested a court to urgently transfer him to a health center. to carry out medical examinations and CT scans as he had an infection in one of his legs.
“We learned that he has had a fever, headache, high blood pressure for more than eight days and, to make matters worse, his operated leg is infected at the hip and femur level,” said Omaira Navas, Centeno’s mother, on March 22, 2023, when she reported her son’s health situation.
Centeno had been held since February 2022 at the National Anti-Drug Office in San Agustín, Caracas. The journalist is accused of allegedly being part of a drug trafficking network “dedicated to recruiting public officials.”
The journalist’s arrest occurred two weeks after he conducted interviews with several people arrested for drug trafficking. From the moment of his arrest, his mother alerted the authorities that he suffered from a heart condition and was convalescing from a hip reconstruction operation.
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#Ramón #Centenos #lawyer #requested #physical #mental #evaluation #journalist
2024-09-05 21:33:17
Urgent Health Concerns for Venezuelan Journalist Ramón Centeno: CNP Calls for Immediate Medical Evaluation
The health crisis surrounding journalist Ramón Centeno, who has been detained under contentious political circumstances, is escalating. On September 5, 2024, the National College of Journalists (CNP) voiced its alarm regarding Centeno’s precarious health status as he faced a scheduled surgical intervention despite significant medical risks associated with his condition.
Background: Detention and Health Challenges
Ramón Centeno has been imprisoned since February 2022, accused of links to a supposed drug trafficking network. This situation arose shortly after he conducted interviews with several individuals implicated in drug-related activities. His detention has since become a focal point for discussions about press freedom and human rights violations in Venezuela.
The CNP reported that Centeno is currently hospitalized at Domingo Luciani Hospital in El Llanito, Miranda state. He is grappling with severe hypertension, and concerns have been raised about his worsening psychiatric condition, which includes reports of a serious acute episode.
!Ramón Centeno’s Hospitalization
Legal Actions and Medical Requests
Detman Mirabal Arismendi, Centeno’s lawyer, has filed a legal petition seeking an urgent physical and mental evaluation by the National Service of Forensic Medicine and Science (SENAMECF). This request stems from dire warnings regarding Centeno’s health, with claims of severe psychiatric issues that necessitate thorough evaluation and potentially immediate medical intervention.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), CNP highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating: “(Centeno) presents a serious psychiatric condition, with an acute episode. Based on this, I request that he be evaluated by the psychiatry department or area of Senamecf to determine the physical and mental state of my client.”
Warnings from NGOs
The NGO Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón emphasized that Centeno should not undergo the scheduled surgery due to the risks posed by his hypertensive crisis. Reports indicated possible coercion of medical staff to proceed with the surgery despite these serious health concerns. They issued an urgent call for the Venezuelan authorities to ensure Centeno receives the necessary care and delay any surgical intervention until he is medically fit.
The organization’s statement underlines the ethical obligation of the State to protect the lives of individuals in custody, especially when they are facing serious health issues.
Historical Context of Medical Neglect
This situation is not new; Centeno’s loved ones have been advocating for adequate medical care since early 2023. They reported that he was suffering from multiple ailments, including high blood pressure and an infected leg injury, which required immediate medical attention.
In March 2023, Centeno’s family requested authorities to transfer him to proper medical facilities for urgent care, citing symptoms like persistent fever and headaches. Despite these alarming signs, healthcare access has been alarmingly limited for him during his detention.
The issues surrounding Ramón Centeno’s health expose broader systemic concerns regarding the treatment of detainees within Venezuelan prisons. Human rights activists continue to advocate for the immediate restoration of his health and the addressing of the underlying issues affecting press freedom in the country.
As discussions about Centeno’s impending surgery loom, the focus remains on ensuring that he receives appropriate medical care and that the Venezuelan government acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the well-being of those in its custody.
Conclusion
The precarious health of Ramón Centeno presents a pressing human rights issue that demands immediate attention. The CNP’s efforts and the advocacy from various organizations highlight the urgent need for a holistic approach to detainee care in Venezuela, emphasizing the fundamental right to health and safety for all individuals, regardless of their political status.
For more updates on this developing situation and efforts to uphold the rights of journalists in Venezuela, follow news from reputable sources and human rights organizations.
