Six women considered political prisoners released in Venezuela
In a relevant move for the Venezuelan political landscape, the organization Foro Penal confirmed the release of six women who remained in state custody. The news comes just two days after the conclusion of the first round of negotiations between the ruling party and a sector of the opposition, led by former deputy Dinorah Figuera.
Now: Political prisoner Emirlendris Benítez and five other women released from prison.
Alfredo Romero, president director of Foro Penal
Among those released, Emirlendris Benítez stands out, as she was facing charges linked to an alleged assassination attempt that occurred in 2018. Although the authorities have not specified the legal terms of these releases, the term used by the NGO suggests that the citizens were released under precautionary measures or judicial restrictions.
Advances in dialogue and political agreements
These releases follow the commitment made by Figuera to manage the release of more people in the coming days. The dialogue process, which is being monitored by international actors, has begun to yield concrete results in its first phase:
- Comprehensive renewal of the magistrates of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ).
- Joint efforts for the recovery of state assets deposited in the Bank of England.
- Care plan for the victims of the earthquake that occurred on June 24th, which has left a critical toll of 6,301 deaths and incalculable material damage.
Concern regarding the crisis in the prison system
In parallel with the releases, the Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP) presented an alarming report on the management of detention centers in the country. According to data from the NGO, 8,192 deaths under state custody have been recorded over the last fifteen years.
The OVP report emphasizes that, despite the creation of the Penitentiary Ministry a decade and a half ago, structural problems persist. The organization underscores that the management of the system cannot be based on improvisation and demands that the authorities be held accountable for the comprehensive care provided to inmates.
In its record for the year 2025, the observatory documented 181 deaths, pointing to the lack of timely medical attention for cardiovascular conditions, cardiorespiratory complications, and multi-organ failure as the main causes, reiterating that prison management requires professionals with specialized training in human rights.
