Students from the University of Los Andes (ULA) mobilized this Thursday in a peaceful march from different parts of the city to the Ombudsman’s Office, in commemoration of Youth Day and with a central demand: the full freedom of political prisoners and unrestricted respect for civil and constitutional rights.
The demonstration, led by the Federation of ULA Student Centers and supported by other student and youth movements, sought to make visible the urgency of consolidating democracy and the re-institutionalization of the country, as explained by the leaders.
Andrés Hernández, university advisor of the ULA, pointed out that the event responded to a historical demand of Venezuelan youth. “Today we find (…) with a clear message from the youth. We are peacefully in the streets to consolidate what rightfully belongs to us: a country in freedom, a country in democracy”, he stated.
The leader added that the student movement must assume an active role in the institutional reconstruction of the country.
“The route of the student movement has to be (…) that process of re-institutionalization, of being a guarantor that rights are respected,” he expressed, while insisting that it cannot talk about political transition “if there are no fundamental rights guaranteed and if there are still political prisoners.”
For its part, Mario Humberto, president of the Federation of University Centers (FCU-ULA), indicated that the mobilization took place peacefully and with the participation of different social sectors.
“We are student movements, civil society, unions and unions united by two fundamental demands: that education be the main beacon of the nation and the freedom of all political prisoners,” he said.
The leader stressed that the protest also seeks to give a voice to those who remain detained. “We are asking for them, so that it is a full freedom without conditions”he added.
From the Law student movement, Jorge Bello highlighted the historical responsibility of young people in the processes of change in the country. “Once again, the students of the Universidad de los Andes take to the streets to raise our voices,” he said, adding that “we cannot talk about reconciliation if there are still people in prison for thinking differently.”
Likewise, he assured that the student body will continue to be mobilized. “There has been no government or persecution that can silence the voice of a student who wants a free country with opportunities,” he said.
Arquímedes Lobo, university advisor, linked the day with the historical commemoration of February 12 and the role of youth in the defense of freedom. “That same spirit that drove young people in 1814 drives us today to stay on the streets and demand the full freedom of all political prisoners and (…) unrestricted respect for our civil and human rights,” he stated.
He also called for youth participation. “We must not give in to barbarism. Let us achieve the objectives of rebuilding our nation and achieving the total redemocratization of the country,” he expressed.
In turn, Elizabeth Castillo, who is a university counselor, assured that they will continue “in the fight because every day we see closer to the Venezuela that each of the young people wants and deserves.”
The day of protest was not limited to Mérida. This Thursday, February 12, student mobilizations were also recorded in various cities of the country, especially in Caracas, where students and civil society gathered. concentrated at the Central University of Venezuela (UCV) to demand the release of political prisoners and a comprehensive amnesty.
According to national and international media reports, the demonstrations were replicated in multiple states and were part of a national student mobilization on Youth Day, with slogans in favor of democracy, the re-institutionalization of the country and the end of repression.
In the capital, the main concentration was held at the UCV, where students, relatives of detainees and civil organizations reiterated the call for the freedom of political prisoners and to advance legislative measures that allow their release.
