Families protest over Venezuela detentions

Relatives of detainees assembled outside Venezuela’s attorney general’s office to press for the release of people they say are being held for political reasons, accusing officials of misleading families after promises of releases two weeks earlier. Protesters displayed photographs and documents and said the rollout of releases has been slow and inconsistent, with relatives bounced between agencies and provided scant information on charges, detention locations or court dates.

Local NGO Foro Penal reported 151 releases since January 8, while interim president Delcy Rodríguez stated 406 had been freed as part of an ongoing process. Foro Penal also estimated around 800 political prisoners were behind bars at the start of the year; the government rejects allegations that detainees are being held for political motives and maintains arrests target criminal conduct.

Families and rights groups allege many detainees were seized during protests or taken from homes without warrants, then denied regular access to lawyers, medical care or contact with relatives. They described prolonged uncertainty and psychological toll, accusing authorities of using detention to intimidate opponents. Human rights organizations say arrests have risen following unrest and target activists, opposition supporters, journalists and demonstrators; officials counter that detentions follow due process.

During the demonstration, participants demanded the attorney general personally review detention files and order releases where legal grounds are lacking. Some appealed for international attention and intervention, arguing domestic remedies have failed. Security forces monitored the protest but did not intervene, and the gathering remained peaceful.

Organizers vowed to continue public actions and legal challenges until their relatives are freed, framing the protests as part of a broader campaign for transparency and accountability in the justice system. The differing tallies of releases and continued reports of detained individuals illustrate ongoing disputes between the government and civil society over the scale and nature of political imprisonment, keeping pressure on authorities to clarify procedures and allow independent oversight.