Foro Penal reports almost 1,000 political prisoners held incommunicado in Tocorón prison

“Incommunicado and without the right to private defense.” The non-governmental organization Foro Penal reported that the authorities of the Tocorón prison did not allow the designations for the private defense for the 948 political prisoners held there.

This was reported in a video by the president of the NGO, Alfredo Romero, who stated that they were able to verify the situation first hand. Upon arriving at the prison, he said, they confirmed that Visits, both for family members and private attorneys, are restricted.

“At the gates of Tocorón they did not allow me to visit or deliver the designations. They tell us that visits are prohibited. Here they inform us that there are 948 people deprived of liberty,” said Romero. Of the 1,834 political prisoners that the organization has counted, 948 are in this prison located in the state of Aragua.

#20S Once again in Tocorón prison supporting relatives. Here there are 948 political prisoners for post-election situation (after July 28, 2024).
Many stories to tell in this crisis of human rights violations.
Thanks to the entire team at… pic.twitter.com/RQdGfj8JOb

— Criminal Forum (@ForoPenal) September 21, 2024

The NGO He specified that of the total number of those arrested, 1,608 are men and 226 are women, of which 1,677 are civilians and another 157 are military personnel. In addition, 1,774 are adults, while The other 60 are minors.

The numbers have been increasing since the post-election crisis broke out in Venezuela, as a result of the presidential election being awarded to Nicolás Maduro.

Before July 28, there were almost 300 people deprived of their liberty for political reasons. The CNE’s election results, without detailed figures, caused a wave of protests. Almost two months later, there are almost 2,000 people detained.