More than 200 individuals detained in Venezuela for political reasons have initiated a hunger strike in protest for their release, as reported by family members to AFP on Sunday. The hunger strike commenced on Friday evening at Rodeo I prison near Caracas. The detainees are dissatisfied with the recent amnesty law, which they claim does not include them due to terrorism charges.
Yalitza Garcia, the mother-in-law of Nahuel Agustin Gallo, an Argentine police officer accused of terrorism, stated that a total of about 214 people, including both Venezuelans and foreigners, are participating in the hunger strike. Shakira Ibarreto, daughter of a policeman detained in 2024, mentioned that the decision to go on hunger strike was made on Friday due to the perceived limitations of the amnesty law.
According to the relatives, not all prisoners at Rodeo I are partaking in the hunger strike. The amnesty law, devised by interim leader Delcy Rodriguez amid pressure from the United States, has triggered this protest action by the political detainees.