Venezuela: Relatives of Political Prisoners Begin Hunger Strike Outside Caracas Prison

Venezuela - Ekhbary News Agency

Venezuela: Relatives of Political Prisoners Begin Hunger Strike Outside Caracas Prison

In a potent display of mounting frustration, approximately ten relatives of political prisoners in Venezuela commenced a hunger strike on Saturday, positioning themselves outside a prison facility in the capital city, Caracas. This demonstration comes just days after the Venezuelan National Assembly once again postponed the adoption of a vital amnesty law, a piece of legislation widely seen as the key to liberating hundreds of political detainees held by the state. The protesters' action underscores the deepening crisis and the families' refusal to remain silent amidst ongoing delays.

The interim government, led by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, had initially pledged on January 30th to pass this landmark amnesty law. This commitment was made under considerable international pressure, particularly from the United States, and followed the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro on January 3rd. Further compounding expectations, authorities had also promised mass releases by January 8th. However, these releases have been sporadic and slow, occurring on a 'drop-by-drop' basis, which has led to numerous families camping outside penitentiary institutions, demanding swift action.

Wearing face masks, a group of about ten women lay down in a line at the prison entrance on Saturday. This location was significant as 17 political prisoners had reportedly been released from this very facility overnight. The protesters planned to sleep through the morning, using the temporary respite to gather strength before formally beginning their protest. "Sleeping soothes hunger," one of the women, who requested anonymity, remarked, offering a stark glimpse into the hardships they are enduring.

"The pressure has paid off; we hope to stay here until they all get out," stated Evelin Quiaro, a 46-year-old employee of the migration service and mother of a political prisoner. She recounted her last meal, a simple ham and biscuit sandwich consumed around 1 AM. Quiaro candidly admitted her lack of preparedness for such an extreme measure: "We are really not prepared; I have never done this in my life." Her 30-year-old son has been detained since November 2025, facing serious charges including terrorism, conspiracy, and financing terrorism.

In a parallel development, Jorge Rodríguez, the President of the National Assembly and brother of Delcy Rodríguez, announced via social media overnight that 17 political prisoners were being released. "Within the framework of the amnesty law, 17 persons deprived of liberty in [the cells known as] Zone 7 are being released right now," he posted.

Just a week prior, during a visit to Zone 7, the National Assembly president had personally assured the families of political prisoners that their relatives would be freed immediately following the law's passage. Despite these assurances and the recent partial releases, the human rights organization Foro Penal reports that while 431 political prisoners have benefited from conditional release, a significant number, 644, remain incarcerated. This discrepancy between official promises and the reality on the ground fuels the ongoing protests and the desperate measures taken by the families.

The situation highlights the complex political and humanitarian challenges facing Venezuela. The repeated delays in passing the amnesty law and the slow pace of prisoner releases have intensified calls for governmental accountability and a genuine commitment to resolving the ongoing political detentions. The hunger strike serves as a critical reminder of the human cost of political stalemate and the urgent need for justice and reconciliation in the country.

Ekhbary News Agency