Mothers of detained teenagers held vigil in front of Tocuyito

A group of mothers of adolescents detained in the post-electoral context made a vigil in front the Tocuyito prison, in the state of Carabobo, to demand his release and condemn the accusations of terrorism.

“Neither terrorists nor criminals, our boys are innocent,” the mothers, who were wearing a T-shirt with a Bible verse, repeatedly shouted.

They also demanded justice in the case of those detained.

#NOW | “Neither terrorists nor criminals, our boys are innocent.” Relatives of teenagers arbitrarily detained in the post-election protests, carry out this #16Oct a vigil outside the Tocuyito prison to demand his freedom.… pic.twitter.com/V54JiqwmWS

— VPITV (@VPITV) October 16, 2024

In Venezuela, the recent arrest of teenagers after the presidential elections has generated a wave of indignation and concern, both nationally and internationally. According to reports of the UN Independent International Mission for Venezuela, At least 150 minors were detained during the period after the elections.

“We want justice!” The mothers also shouted in front of Tocuyito.

These detainees, for the most part, have been charged with serious crimes such as terrorism and hate speech, which entails high penalties of deprivation of liberty.

Mothers have reported torture and cruel treatment against their children in detention centers. Inhumane conditions and lack of access to visits have exacerbated families’ anguish over the physical and mental integrity of detainees. It was even known, through relatives, that The accused are given rotten and wormy food.

The international community, including the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, has condemned these detentions and has urged the Venezuelan government to guarantee the rights of minors and respect their presumption of innocence.