Prosecutor Tarek William Saab did not break down the data on detainees by state. He also criticized an alleged “information blackout” on social media regarding the actions of security forces, but did not mention the 13 deaths that have been reported by independent organizations.
The attorney general appointed by the defunct constituent assembly, Tarek William Saabreported the arrest of 1,062 people in the context of protests over the results of the presidential elections, where the National Electoral Council (CNE) declared the ruler Nicolás Maduro the winner with 51.2% of the votes.
“I want to see international organizations saying that these people are prisoners of conscience, criminal gangsters (…) they are then detained, crying, asking for clemency, but there will be no clemency, no justice. There must be justice for all the harm they have committed,” said Saab at a press conference.
The attorney general, who did not break down the data by state, did not rule out the release of some of these people if it is determined that they were not involved, but “if responsibility is determined, they will remain deprived of their freedom for many years.”
He also criticised an alleged “information blackout” on social media regarding the actions of security forces. He said that since the early hours of 29 July, 77 officers have been injured, in addition to one death in the state of Aragua.
But the prosecutor did not mention the 13 deaths that independent organisations have denounced and attributed to security forces, or the detention or harassment of journalists while covering the events.
*Also read: 13 deaths reported in protests as of #30Jul
According to Tarek William Saab, in recent days they have identified “clear hotbeds of terrorist actions,” and he accused the opposition of using armed groups, such as Tren de Llano, to attack in various places in the country. “These people are already associated with paramilitary groups, which are defending them, there should not be a blackout now on the networks.”
The official showed a series of videos showing protesters demanding arrests or police abuses with harsh words, and accused them of simulating “punishable acts to accuse the State of human rights violations” and causing “anxiety among the population.”
He referred to the burning of a Hidrocaribe office in Nueva Esparta state, the burning of CLAP headquarters and other sites.
For the burning of the Hidrocaribe office, he said, there are 20 individuals detained, among them four minors, “who attacked military officials.” He indicated that this group will be charged with the crimes of incitement to hatred and terrorism “when they are presented.”
He also highlighted the arrests of José Melendre, in Miranda state, for handing out tires and other objects to protesters to obstruct public roads, and Harey Romero and Jefferson Padrón, the latter two arrested in La Guaira for threatening the population.
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