58 minors remain detained for protests

At least 58 minors, between 14 and 17 years old, continue detained by Venezuelan authorities after being arrested during protests following the presidential elections of July 28, in which Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner despite allegations of fraud by the opposition, according to the NGO Foro Penal.

The NGO’s vice president, Gonzalo Himiob, has highlighted in statements to CNN that from July 29 to September 9, 142 adolescents were arrested, of which 85 remain detained.These are data that we have to continue to contrast and corroborate continuously because there is no official access to the information.“, Himiob pointed out.

These young people were charged with the crimes of inciting hatred and obstructing public roads, in some cases there are also accusations of terrorism and destruction of public and private property, according to Himiob.

Among those arrested are even disabled teenagers who were not even participating in the protests, according to the organization. Specifically, Himiob referred to an autistic minor arrested on July 29 in Los Nuevos Teques, in the state of Miranda. The detainee was at the door of his house when the demonstrations were taking place, without participating in the protest.

Release of minors

The last release of a group of minors verified by Foro Penal occurred on Saturday, August 31, when 19 teenagers were released after their court hearings.

The organization Justice, Encounter and Forgiveness, which monitors human rights violations in Venezuela, has warned that “it is unacceptable that minors are subject to arbitrary detention and abuse in the context of their right to peaceful protest,” and has demanded their “immediate release,” “as well as respect for their rights in accordance with the provisions of the Organic Law for the Protection of Children and Adolescents and the Constitution.”