15 university students arrested in Venezuela after the elections remain in prison
Venezuelan authorities detain at least 15 university students, who were apprehended in the context of the crisis unleashed after the controversial re-election of Nicolás Maduro in the presidential elections on July 28, the Human Rights Observatory of the University of Los Andes (ODH-ULA) reported this Wednesday.
The organization He explained in a press release that a total of 45 young people were arrested in the context of the post-election crisis, but he estimates that 30 have already been released, although some of them are subject to precautionary measures – such as periodic appearances before courts – or administrative sanctions.
At least 15 “remain in prison, accused of crimes of terrorism, incitement to hatred, treason, conspiracy and resistance to authority”, underlines the press release.
The young people are students of universities such as the autonomous Universidad Central (UCV), Universidad de Carabobo (UC), Universidad de Oriente (UDO) and the private institution Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (UCAB).
At least 45 university students arrested for political persecution after the presidential elections in #Venezuela.#09Oct
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— ObservatorioULA.DDHH (@Uladdhh) October 9, 2024
Four university professors arrested
«Faced with threats and intimidation, some university students They have decided to flee the country or remain underground for fear of being arrested, while others have reported persecution. All the cases registered by the ODH-ULA respond to state terrorism practices implemented by Venezuelan officials,” the observatory continues.
The report also reports four university professors detained and one exiled, all after the elections, whose official result was denounced as fraudulent by the main opposition coalition, the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), and has not been recognized by numerous countries.
«The ODH-ULA has known cases of other university students who They remain in hiding after receiving threats of arrest for his militancy in opposition political parties,” he adds.
In Venezuela there are 1,916 detainees for political reasons, according to information updated this Wednesday by the NGO Foro Penal, which leads the defense of these prisoners.
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