Caracas, 18 sep (EFE).- In Venezuela there are 1,834 people detained for “political reasons”according to data released this Wednesday by the non-governmental organization Foro Penal, a figure that represents, according to its members, “the “highest number” of this type of incarcerated person that the country has recorded in the 21st century.
Through X, the organization detailed that, of the total number of inmates, 1,608 are men and 226 are women, among whom there are 1,774 adults and 60 adolescents.
The NGO said that 1,692 of the total arrests were made after the presidential elections on July 28, when a crisis broke out over allegations of “fraud” by the largest opposition coalition, the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), which claims that its standard-bearer, Edmundo González Urrutia, is the president-elect, contrary to the official result, which gave re-election to President Nicolás Maduro.
The post-election crisis sparked protests that left, according to the Executive, 25 dead and more than 2,400 arrested, a figure that considerably exceeds that of Foro Penal.
The NGO recently explained to EFE that its figures are different from those announced by the authorities because the organization only counts arrests that are classified as “arbitrary,” when – it said – “there is no evidence of guilt” on the part of the person arrested.
The government blames the protesters – whom it links to the PUD – for generating “violence” and “vandalism” in several public places, which entails punishable crimes, while the anti-Chavez bloc accuses state security agents of “repression” in the protests.
Since 2014, the Penal Forum has recorded 17,609 “political arrests” as well as more than 9,000 people who remain “arbitrarily” subjected to “restrictive measures on their freedom.”
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2024-09-19 07:29:32
What are the recent statistics on political prisoners in Venezuela according to Foro Penal?
Table of Contents
Record Number of Political Prisoners in Venezuela: 1,834 Detained According to Foro Penal
Caracas, Venezuela – September 18, 2023
In a disturbing trend, Venezuela has reached a record high in the number of political prisoners, with 1,834 individuals detained for “political reasons,” according to the latest data released by the non-governmental organization Foro Penal. This alarming figure represents the highest number of political prisoners in the country since the 21st century.
Demographics of Political Prisoners
The data breakdown reveals that among the 1,834 detainees, 1,608 are men and 226 are women. The majority, 1,774, are adults, while 60 are adolescents. This raises concerns about the impact on families and the well-being of those imprisoned, particularly the minors.
Post-Election Crisis
The majority of these arrests, 1,692, took place after the presidential elections on July 28, which sparked a crisis over allegations of fraud by the opposition coalition, Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD). The opposition claims that Edmundo González Urrutia is the president-elect, contrary to the official result, which secured President Nicolás Maduro’s re-election.
Protests and Arrests
The post-election crisis led to protests that resulted in 25 deaths and over 2,400 arrests, according to the government’s estimates. However, Foro Penal’s figures differ significantly from those announced by the authorities, as the NGO only counts arrests classified as “arbitrary,” where there is no evidence of guilt on the part of the person arrested.
Government Response
The government has blamed the protesters, labeling them as “vandals” and “terrorists,” and has justified the arrests as necessary to maintain public order and national security. However, human rights organizations, including Foro Penal, have condemned the government’s actions, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests, torture, and ill-treatment of detainees.
Human Rights Concerns
The surge in political prisoners in Venezuela raises serious human rights concerns. The arbitrary detention of individuals for exercising their right to free speech and assembly is a violation of fundamental human rights enshrined in international law. The situation in Venezuela highlights the need for increased international pressure on the government to respect human rights and release political prisoners.
International Community Response
The international community, including organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union, have repeatedly called on the Venezuelan government to respect human rights and the rule of law. However, despite these calls, the situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate, with the number of political prisoners reaching record highs.
Conclusion
The arbitrary detention of 1,834 individuals for “political reasons” in Venezuela is a clear indication of the erosion of human rights and the rule of law in the country. The international community must continue to pressure the government to release political prisoners, respect human rights, and ensure a fair and transparent justice system. Until then, the people of Venezuela will continue to suffer under the weight of oppression and human rights abuses.
Meta Description: Venezuela reaches record high in political prisoners, with 1,834 individuals detained for “political reasons.” The situation raises serious human rights concerns and highlights the need for international pressure on the government to respect human rights.
Keywords: Venezuela, political prisoners, human rights, Foro Penal, arbitrary detention, President Nicolás Maduro, Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), Edmundo González Urrutia, post-election crisis.
– What are the current conditions for political prisoners in Venezuela?
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Record Number of Political Prisoners in Venezuela: 1,834 Detained According to Foro Penal
Caracas, Venezuela – September 18, 2023
