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 responses, if any, have Venezuelan authorities given to the demands made by the families of political prisoners?
## Interview: Relatives Demand Christmas Freedom for Political Prisoners in Venezuela
**Interviewer:** We’re joined today by [Guest Name], who’s been actively involved with the recent vigils at a prison in northern Venezuela. Can you tell us more about these demonstrations?
**Guest:** Certainly. For the past few days, families of those we consider political prisoners have been gathering outside the prison, demanding their release. We held a vigil that culminated this Wednesday, hoping to draw attention to their situation and call for their freedom in time for Christmas.
**Interviewer:** What specific concerns are motivating these protests?
**Guest:** Primarily, it’s the injustice of their imprisonment. We believe many are detained solely for their political beliefs or actions.
Secondly, as the holidays approach, we yearn to have our loved ones home with us. Being separated during such a significant time is incredibly painful. We’re pleading with the authorities to grant them the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with their families.
**Interviewer:**
Have there been any responses from the authorities to these demands?
**Guest:** As of right now, we haven’t received any concrete commitments from the government. We remain hopeful that they will hear our pleas and consider releasing these individuals, particularly in light of the approaching holiday season. [[1](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yx5qzzypgo)]
**Interviewer:** This is certainly a powerful message, especially with Christmas just around the corner. We appreciate your time and insights, [Guest Name], and wish for a positive resolution for your loved ones.
