Venezuelan Mothers Continue Hunger Strike Despite Partial Prisoner Release

Venezuela - Ekhbary News Agency

Venezuelan Mothers Persist in Hunger Strike After Partial Prisoner Release

The ongoing political crisis in Venezuela has seen a dramatic escalation as mothers of political prisoners have vowed to continue their hunger strike, now entering its sixth consecutive day. Their resolve remains unbroken despite the early Saturday morning release of 17 individuals from the 'Zona 7' facility in Caracas. This partial liberation, orchestrated in the pre-dawn hours, has been met with profound disappointment by the families and activists, who insist on the unconditional release of all political detainees. The move by the mothers is a direct response to their children's initiative to exert pressure on the Maduro government, particularly after previous promises of a comprehensive release were not fulfilled.

The situation at 'Zona 7' has become a focal point for the ongoing struggle. The mothers have maintained a constant vigil outside the detention center, their determination fueled by the perceived inadequacy of the government's actions. This protest mirrors similar actions in other correctional facilities, with reports indicating that approximately 300 common-law prisoners in Tocuyito have joined the hunger strike, inspired by the political prisoners' efforts. The government's move appears to be a response to international pressure, notably from the United States, which has repeatedly called for the release of political prisoners and the closure of notorious facilities like El Helicoide.

Adding complexity to the situation are the statements made by Jorge Rodríguez, the President of the National Assembly. Just last week, he had suggested that a newly approved Amnesty Law would lead to the release of around 700 political prisoners. However, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. A significant number of political prisoners remain incarcerated, and the controversial Amnesty Law is currently under debate in the National Assembly. Analysts suggest the discussions are largely confined to ruling party figures and a small segment of the opposition, which some label as collaborators or even state-sponsored.

Among the 17 individuals released from 'Zona 7' were notable figures, including José Elías Torres, general secretary of the Venezuelan Workers' Confederation (CTV); William Lizardo, president of a construction workers' union; and José Luis Subero Reyes, a union leader with the National Union Coalition. The group also included Jorge Párraga, an Ecuadorian national held captive, and two young men with autism, Gabriel Sánchez and Gilmary Alcalé. Significantly, Gilmary Alcalé was granted conditional release alongside his mother, Zulma Mariela Lasala, who was also imprisoned.

The emotional scenes outside the prison gates were palpable as families reunited. José Luis Talavera, who spent five months in detention reportedly for being the father of a Vente Venezuela opposition leader, Marcos Velazco, expressed his relief but stressed the fight is far from over. "Victory!" he exclaimed while embracing his family, adding, "Let's continue on this path to build democratic coexistence among brothers. All united for Peace!" These words echoed sentiments expressed by Jorge Rodríguez himself, who, shortly before the list of released prisoners was announced, had urged for "peace and coexistence."

However, the partial release has done little to quell the underlying tensions. Human rights organizations and the protesting mothers argue that these isolated liberations do not address the systemic issues of political repression and human rights abuses in Venezuela. The core demand remains unchanged: the complete and unconditional release of all political prisoners. The question echoing through the protests is, "When will everyone be free?"

Adding another layer of contention, certain political factions have sharply criticized international actors, including the U.S. administration under President Trump and Senator Marco Rubio. These critics accuse them of complicity in the alleged "kidnappings, torture, and crimes" perpetrated by the Bolivarian regime. Such accusations highlight the deep polarization and divisions within Venezuela's political landscape, further complicating efforts towards national reconciliation and stability.

As the situation remains volatile, the mothers' protest and hunger strike signify a continued demand for justice and freedom. Their unwavering stance underscores the deep-seated grievances and the urgent need for substantial political reform in Venezuela, beyond mere symbolic gestures of release.

Ekhbary News Agency