NGO denounces that a teenager detained in the post-election protests has facial paralysis

• The minor is being held at the Men’s Care Center in Barinas, where authorities became aware of his condition, according to Fundehullan | Main photo: EFE

The non-governmental organization (NGO) Fundehullan Venezuela reported on Monday, August 12, that one of the teenagers detained during the protests that began on July 29, 2024 suffered facial paralysis.

Fundehullan reported that Edicson Arévalo was arrested by state security officials on August 2 and eight days later he was transferred to the Men’s Care Center in Barinas, where they reportedly noticed his condition.

In light of this, the NGO urged the Barinas State Prosecutor’s Office to authorize the transfer of the teenager to a health center so that his condition can be treated. In this regard, they demanded that the right to health, physical integrity and his prompt release be guaranteed.

“It is important to mention that Part II of the explanatory statement of the Organic Law for Children and Adolescents (Lopnna) points out the principle of the best interests of the child, enshrined in Article 3 of the Convention.”

Fundahullan reminded Venezuelan authorities that they must guarantee the health and life of minors deprived of their liberty.

For its part, the Caleidoscopio Humano organization urged security agencies to guarantee the well-being of the teenager Edicson Arévalo.

“We demand that Edicson Arévalo’s right to health be guaranteed, that his physical integrity be respected and that he be taken to a health centre where he can be treated. We demand respect for the rights of adolescents arbitrarily detained,” reads the NGO’s post on X (formerly Twitter).

Photo: EFE

Nearly 120 teenagers arrested during protests

An update of the arrest figures published on Monday, August 12 by the NGO Foro Penal showed that there are at least 117 adolescents between 14 and 17 years of age in Venezuela.

To date, the total of detained in the country rose to 1,315 people during the demonstrations, among which there are 177 women, 17 people with disabilities and 14 indigenous people.

Assistance from the Criminal Forum

To obtain legal or psychological assistance from the NGO Foro Penal, you must contact them through the following telephone numbers: 0412 556-8211 and 0412 556-8212. You can also contact them by email at [email protected]

The United Nations Fact-Finding Mission described the repression by Venezuelan security forces against protesters as “ferocious.”

“Protests in the streets, as well as on social media, gave way to fierce repression by the state machinery, led by its highest authorities, creating a climate of widespread terror,” reads the report published by the international organization on August 12.

Photo: EFE

UN mission criticises Saab figures

The UN Mission also criticised the figures given on Monday by the Attorney General of the Republic, Tarek William Saab, in which he confirmed 25 people dead following the post-election protests.

“We can say that, so far, all these deaths can be attributed to criminal groups instrumentalized by the so-called ‘comanditos’,” Saab said in a press conference broadcast on the state channel. VTV.

In response, representatives of the human rights organization indicated that they have a record of 23 deaths in the context of post-election protests and warned that the vast majority of the victims were shot by firearms, which took place between July 28 and August 8.

The UN Mission’s statement concluded by demanding the immediate release of the detainees and urging the Venezuelan authorities to adhere to the Constitution.

Related news