Mass Protest in Caracas Demands Release of Political Prisoners from Helicoid Prison
Thousands of relatives and supporters of Venezuelan opposition leaders gathered yesterday in Caracas outside Helicoid Prison to demand the immediate release of political prisoners.
This protest comes amid increasing pressure on the transitional government led by Delsy Rodríguez, which has faced criticism for the slow pace of prisoner releases, despite announcing last month a significant number of releases.
Families and human rights organizations reported that many detainees have been held for months or even years due to their political beliefs, and they view the release process as inadequate and sluggish.
At the same time, Rodríguez has promised to close Helicoid Prison, known for its human rights abuses and instances of physical and psychological torture, and to convert it into a cultural, social, and sports center serving police forces and local communities.
It is noteworthy that the facility was originally a shopping mall before being repurposed as a prison.
The protests saw minor clashes between members of the Bolivarian National Police and demonstrators, who held signs reading "Freedom for All" and expressed support for the national amnesty law and the need for the release of all political prisoners.
This event reflects the growing public and international pressure on the Venezuelan government to uphold the rights of political prisoners, as authorities commit to reformative measures aimed at shutting down a facility long associated with controversy and violations.
