Political Prisoners and Torture

In Venezuela, a systematic pattern of civil rights violations by the State has been evident. Recent examples include the case of John Álvarez, a university student majoring in Anthropology at the Central University of Venezuela (UCV), who was detained on August 30, 2023, and suffered atrocious abuses while in State custody.

Detention and Torture of John Álvarez

John Álvarez, arbitrarily detained, endured a series of inhumane physical abuses while in custody. According to forensic reports from the Public Ministry's Forensic Service, Álvarez lost vision in his left eye, has inflammation in his left kidney, and suffers an injury from his right gluteus to the knee, preventing him from extending his right leg. The beatings and tortures he underwent, including the use of blunt objects and electric shocks, reflect a clear abuse of power and violation of human rights.

Union Leaders Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison

In addition to Álvarez's case, six union leaders were sentenced to 16 years in prison for leading protests seeking wage and labor improvements. Among the convicted are Emilio Negrín, Gabriel Blanco, Reinaldo Cortés, Alonso Meléndez, Alcides Bracho, and Nelson Astudillo. These individuals, linked to state apparatus unions, were sentenced for exercising their legitimate right to peaceful protest and defending the labor interests of their peers.

Irregularities in Judicial Processes

The convictions of these union leaders were based on anonymous accusations and unfounded charges of conspiracy and association for delinquency. The presented evidence lacked solid grounds, raising concerns about the integrity and transparency of the judicial procedures. This situation reflects a clear manipulation of the judicial system to pursue and silence dissent.

Release of Political Prisoners as a Condition

The blatant violations of civil rights in Venezuela, exemplified by the cases of John Álvarez and the six union leaders, are alarming concerns and clear indicators of the deterioration of the rule of law in the country. The international community must strongly call for an end to these systematic abuses and demand the immediate release of all political prisoners.

The United States, Europe, and other international actors are urged to condition the relief of sanctions imposed on the Venezuelan dictatorship on the guarantee of the release of political prisoners and the unrestricted respect for human rights in the country. The release of political prisoners should be a top priority in any negotiation or dialogue with the Venezuelan government, as it represents a fundamental step toward restoring democracy and reinstating fundamental guarantees for all Venezuelan citizens.

It is essential for the international community to maintain pressure and continue insisting on the release of all political prisoners as a sine qua non condition for any easing of sanctions on the Venezuelan dictatorship, aiming to promote a positive change toward the restoration of democracy and respect for human rights in the country.

Julio César Rivas