On Monday, the families of Venezuelan political prisoners took to the streets of Caracas, demanding the release of 328 individuals still detained according to the NGO Foro Penal.
This demonstration, held in front of the Public Defender's Office, marked the first event in a series of four actions called "Route of Unanswered Questions," organized by the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners (Clipp).
"Not one, not two, let them all be free," chanted the protesters outside the building. They demanded personalized attention to each case, visits, inspections of detention centers, and an end to reported abuses.
Public Defender Eglée González Lobato met with the families, announcing that her office would prioritize cases involving "serious health conditions, completed sentences, and procedural delays."
"After today's review, we will make statements as soon as possible," she told the press.
Activist Hiowanka Ávila, sister of political prisoner Henryberth Rivas, was among the most outspoken voices during the demonstration. "We hope for a response and support from the Public Defender's Office. We are also awaiting the International Red Cross’s presence at El Rodeo I prison. Their assistance and public acknowledgment of the needs they have observed are crucial," she stated.
The protest comes amid heightened tensions following reports from Foro Penal about the relocation of at least 94 political prisoners from El Rodeo I to other facilities, including Fuerte Guaicaipuro, Yare, and La Planta, without notifying families or lawyers. Only 24 of these relocations had been confirmed at their destinations by early September.
Marino Alvarado, legal coordinator for the NGO Provea, announced that coordination with the National Police and the Public Defender would allow families to approach the Miraflores Palace on Friday—a heavily guarded area where anti-government protests are typically prohibited—to deliver a communication addressed to acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
"We hope the right to peaceful protest will be respected," he remarked.
The full agenda includes four events: after Monday's demonstration at the Public Defender's Office, families plan to move to the Attorney General's Office on Wednesday, then to Miraflores on Friday, with simultaneous gatherings in plazas both inside and outside the country on the following Sunday.
These protests highlight the gap between official release figures and those independently verified. The Venezuelan government claimed in August to have released 1,046 individuals since January 3, 2026, when U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro, while Foro Penal reported over 390 active political prisoners on that date.
The Chavista regime denies the existence of political prisoners, labeling detainees as common criminals, a stance rejected by human rights organizations and the opposition.
The political dimension of the release process has also been questioned: Diosdado Cabello denied at the end of August that prisoner releases were being discussed in the dialogue between the Chavista government and the opposition, according to EFE. Meanwhile, families continue to press their demands on the streets with a clear message: freedom for all, without exception.
Insights on Political Prisoners in Venezuela
What is the "Route of Unanswered Questions"?
"Route of Unanswered Questions" is a series of four demonstrations organized by the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners (Clipp) to demand the release of political detainees in Venezuela.
Why is the International Red Cross's presence important at El Rodeo I prison?
The presence of the International Red Cross is crucial at El Rodeo I prison to provide assistance and publicly report on the conditions and needs observed in the detention facilities.
What challenges do families face in protesting for political prisoners?
Families face challenges such as restricted access to heavily guarded areas like the Miraflores Palace, where anti-government protests are usually not permitted, and the need to coordinate with authorities to ensure their right to peaceful protest is respected.