Hundreds of Venezuelans gathered at the Brazilian embassy in Caracas on Wednesday, appealing to Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to intervene for the release of approximately 2,500 alleged political prisoners.
The protest, a rare occurrence following a government crackdown that claimed 27 lives, focused on demanding freedom for those detained after the contested July 28 presidential elections.
Chanting “Freedom, freedom!” the demonstrators called on Lula to “intercede for Venezuela,” with posters highlighting their plea. Protesters claim that out of the 2,500 prisoners, around 2,400 were arrested during spontaneous demonstrations following the announcement of President Nicolas Maduro’s victory, which the opposition insists was rigged.
The opposition’s candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, has since sought asylum in Spain under the threat of arrest in Venezuela. The international community, including Brazil, has requested a detailed breakdown of the election results, refusing to acknowledge Maduro’s claim to a third six-year term.
Protesters handed over a letter addressed to President Lula, urging him to address the harsh conditions faced by their detained relatives. “They are all prisoners of conscience,” said Diego Casanova, whose family member was arrested in the aftermath of the election.
Organizer Andreina Baduel, whose father Raul Baduel died in prison after opposing the regime, stated that political prisoners were being subjected to a “slow-motion assassination” simply for opposing the government.
Lula, a traditional leftist ally of Maduro, has recently expressed frustration with the Venezuelan leader, describing his regime as having an “authoritarian bias.” His government is also facing diplomatic tension with Venezuela, following Caracas’ decision to revoke Brazil’s representation of Argentina’s interests in the country.
Despite the strained relations, Brazil has insisted on continuing to oversee Argentina’s embassy in Caracas, where several Venezuelan opposition figures have sought refuge.
The situation underscores the deepening crisis in Venezuela and highlights international pressure for a resolution.
