A group of relatives of political prisoners set up a camp on Monday outside a prison to alleviate the long wait for the releases promised by the government under pressure from the United States.
Dozens of families moved to the Rodeo I prison, after the interim government of Delcy Rodríguez announced last Thursday the release of a “significant number” of detainees following the overthrow of Nicolás Maduro in a US operation.
They have been awake for four nights or sleeping in cars, in the cold and without police protection in an area considered dangerous.
The Ministry of Penitentiary Services reported that 116 releases were made, although NGOs and opposition parties have only confirmed 65 so far. Defense organizations estimate between 800 and 1,011 detainees for political reasons.
Unprotected family members
In two rows, about 15 tents are spread out on black plastic a few steps from Rodeo I, located in a dormitory city an hour from Caracas. In front it reads “release all political prisoners” on a banner.
The NGO Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners delivered the tents, as well as 25 mattresses that are located in a covered area with food businesses.
“We are very grateful for the help they have given us,” Delmar Hernández, wife of an oil worker accused of treason, told AFP. “Knowing that people support you makes the wait less bitter.”
Police warned they would dismantle any encampments, while local residents brought lunches, juice and coffee.
One of the food vendors allows family members to use electricity. “You can stay as long as you want,” the owner tells them.
The NGO Foro Penal reported 15 releases from Rodeo I in the early hours of Monday.
“Not a single one has left through that door,” protested Manuel Mendoza, whose son was arrested two and a half years ago. “The immediate release of all political prisoners is demanded, all of them, it is not fair,” he added with a broken voice.
