VENEZUELA: ALL ARBITRARY DETAINEES MUST BE RELEASED

Ms. Delcy Rodriguez,

I am dismayed by the fact that, after Venezuelan authorities, namely the president of the National Assembly Jorge Rodríguez, announced the release of a “significant amount” of individuals arbitrarily detained for political reasons, at least 780 individuals remain unfairly imprisoned. Such announcements raised and crushed hundreds of victims’ families’ hopes of reuniting with their loved ones after months or years of unfair imprisonment.

I stress my deep concern about the ongoing arbitrary detention of at least 780 individuals, according to Venezuelan NGO Foro Penal as of January 22. Once again, we remind the Venezuelan authorities that enforced disappearance and torture are acts that are strictly prohibited under international human rights law. Those responsible for committing these international crimes could face investigation and criminal prosecution by independent courts of justice outside of Venezuela.

Families, communities, and civil society organizations are coping with the uncertainty of not knowing what could happen to those detained, while they fight against all odds for the wellbeing and freedom of the hundreds of victims of politically motivated arbitrary detention.

I call on you to immediately release all those arbitrarily detained for political reasons. While in custody of the state, every detainee must see their life and safety protected, as well as fair trial guarantees, such as naming their lawyer of choice, receiving adequate medical care, and being granted family visits.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]