Within days of canonization of mother Carmen Rendiles and doctor José Gregorio Hernándezthe political party Primero Justicia (PJ) issued a statement in which it demanded the full freedom of all political prisoners in Venezuela. The organization considered that this act of faith, scheduled for October 19, should mark a turning point in the fight for human rights and democracy in the country.
“We will continue to wage the peaceful, civic and moral struggle to firmly defend democracy, freedom and the rights of Venezuelans, because we do not give in to authoritarianism,” says the text released this Thursday.
According to Foro Penal figures, as of October 13, there were 845 political prisoners in Venezuela, among them 742 men and 103 women, 672 are civilians and 173 are military, in addition to 97 people with foreign nationality.
In this context, PJ denounced that many of these detainees have been victims of systematic violations of their rights, including torture, forced disappearances, sexual violence, and cruel and inhuman treatment by State security forces.
In turn, the aurinegra awning made reference to the presidential elections of July 28, in which they claim Edmundo González Urrutia was elected with a resounding majority. According to the statement, after this electoral process, repression against political leaders, activists, journalists and citizens has intensified, including to the political leader of Primero Justicia, Juan Pablo Guanipa.
“From Primero Justicia we ask that this act of faith on the coming October 19 can mark a before and after for the freedom of Venezuela and all political prisoners; that it be a favorable occasion for the country to find us united and determined to give everything for freedom,” the document adds.
Finally, the party called to build a humanist leadership that promotes values, justice and solidarity. “Today, more than ever, Venezuela needs humanist leadership that builds a future with values, that listens, that serves, and that understands that politics only makes sense when it improves people’s lives,” the statement concludes.
