Relatives of Venezuela’s political prisoners hold vigil outside El Helicoide Prison: Video

Name: Relatives of Venezuela’s political prisoners hold vigil outside El Helicoide Prison: Video
Uploaded: 2024-11-28T14:59:18.204Z
Duration: PT50.239S
Description: Relatives of political prisoners in Venezuela gathered outside the notorious El Helicoide prison to hold a candlelight vigil, demanding the release of their loved ones and condemning arbitrary detentions.

Venezuelans gather in support of Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Gonzalez, in Madrid

Venezuelans living in Spain take part in a gathering outside Spanish parliament in support of opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, in the aftermath of disputed Venezuelan elections, in Madrid, Spain, September 10, 2024. REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura

Source: REUTERS

Relatives of political prisoners in Venezuela gathered outside the notorious El Helicoide prison to hold a candlelight vigil, demanding the release of their loved ones and condemning arbitrary detentions.

"It's devastating," said Francis Fernandez, a human rights activist and wife of a political prisoner. "The hardest part is the absence of someone who was a part of your daily life."

The vigil also served as a call for action against human rights abuses in the country. Sol Ocariz, a retired Venezuelan, described it as "a hopeful plea for the release of all political prisoners in Venezuela, because there are many."

Former political prisoner Nicmer Evans accused the government of using state terror to stifle dissent. "This policy, now intensified under President Nicolas Maduro, seeks to intimidate the population and suppress resistance to authoritarianism," he said.

Venezuela’s government over the years has faced widespread criticism for its human rights record, with advocacy groups documenting numerous cases of arbitrary arrests and mistreatment of political detainees.

Etornam Kornu