Relatives of political prisoners in Venezuela This Saturday they joined the hunger strike started the day before by his relatives, held in a police command in Caracasand a few hours after 17 people were released, including union leaders and two young people with autism spectrum disorder.
READ: Trump urges Zelensky to close deal with Russia and call elections before summer
On the outskirts of the command Bolivarian National Police (PNB) Known as Zone 7, more than a dozen people began the strike at 6:00 local time (10:00 GMT), in order to demand the release of political prisoners.
The group told EFE that the last time they ate was around 3:00 Venezuelan time.
A woman remains chained during a hunger strike by political prisoners this Saturday, in front of the Zone 7 penitentiary center in Caracas (Venezuela). (Photo: EFE/ Miguel Gutiérrez)
“Family members on hunger strike”reads a sign in the place, where the protesters remain on the ground, on mats and protected from the sun with umbrellas.
Evelis Canomother of the detained Jack Tantak, told EFE that the strike is “indefinite, until they are all released.”
“They are depressed, they are desperate because they want to get out”said the woman, who said she had “a lot of health problems” and have suffered increases in blood pressure.
Petra Verawhose brother-in-law is in prison, told EFE that the arrival of a group of doctors is expected to do a “constant monitoring of the situation of each of them.”
“We hope for a prompt response, the immediate and full release of everyone”he expressed.
Vera, who is not participating in the strike because she is a cancer patient in remission, stated that the family members feel “mocked and demoralized by these unfulfilled promises” from the authorities.
In Jorge Rodriguez.
Relatives of political prisoners participate in a hunger strike this Saturday, in front of the Zone 7 penitentiary center in Caracas (Venezuela). (Photo: EFE/ Miguel Gutiérrez)
The official promised on February 6 the release of “everyone” once the amnesty law – still under discussion – was approved, which he estimated would pass “at the latest” on the 13th.
However, the Parliament, controlled by Chavismo, postponed the second and final debate necessary for the approval of the law on Thursday to next week, as there were differences over an article that requires those prosecuted and convicted to appear before Justice.
The head of Parliament reported this Saturday of 17 releases in Zone 7 as part, he said, of the amnesty law process.
Among those released are Jose Elias Torresgeneral secretary of the country’s main workers’ union; William Lizardounion leader in the construction sector; and young people with autism Gabriel Sanchez and Gilmary Alcalaas well as her mother, Zulma Lasala.
According to the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners, the 17 were part of a group of “more than 50” detained in the command.
FURTHER: Trump confirms that a second aircraft carrier will head “very soon” to the Middle East
The process of releases and the discussion of an amnesty occur in a “new political moment”, announced by the president in charge, Delcy Rodriguezwho took office after the United States captured President Nicolás Maduro in a military operation in Caracas last January.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
