Súmate demanded the full freedom of Nélida Sánchez

Join us, an NGO dedicated to electoral matters, demanded this Thursday the release of its national training coordinator, Nélida Sánchez, after more than 72 hours of her “unjust” detention last Monday by “officials of the Bolivarian Intelligence Service (Sebin),” according to a statement.

“We request his full freedom and that he be guaranteed the enjoyment and exercise of his rights to communication with his family and lawyers, due process, life and health, established (…) in the Venezuelan Constitution,” the non-governmental organization said in a statement.

He pointed out that, although her transfer to the Sebin headquarters in Caracas was “known,” they have not “confirmed her presence nor have they allowed her family, lawyers or friends to have any communication with her.”

In the text, Súmate stated that Sánchez suffers from “some chronic illnesses, including a heart condition, which causes chronic circulatory problems, in addition to suffering from fibromyalgia and asthma,” for which reason it requested that he be guaranteed medical care and treatment.

“More than 72 hours have passed since her unjustified detention, because she has not committed any crime, as certified by her criminal record, and we reiterate our request for full freedom for Nélida Sánchez (…) and that all her rights be guaranteed and respected,” the NGO said.

His arrest occurred in the context of a political crisis following the controversial re-election of Nicolás Maduro in the presidential elections on July 28, a period during which the majority opposition, which denounces fraud, and numerous organizations inside and outside the country warn of an increase in “persecution.”

According to official figures, more than 2,400 people have been arrested since July 29 – some in demonstrations and others in police operations – and 25 have been killed in acts of violence that the government attributes to the opposition, while anti-Chavez supporters blame the state security forces.