In Venezuela, Sairam Rivas, representative of the Committee of Family and Friends of Political Prisoners, highlighted the severity of enforced disappearances in the country, considering them an emerging pattern. Rivas advocated for the immediate and complete release of all political prisoners, citing the case of Reinaldo Araujo, a member of Vente Venezuela, who allegedly died in state custody in January.
María Corina Machado, opposition leader, reinforced the accusations by mentioning the death in prison of another detainee amid the post-electoral crisis in Venezuela, raising the number of political prisoners who have died since November to four. Despite the resulting protests from Nicolás Maduro's reelection, authorities have yet to address this concerning issue.
Critics denounced a pattern of abuses and human rights violations that include torture and mistreatment of detainees in Venezuela. Additionally, it was noted that more than 40 foreigners are detained without their families knowing their whereabouts, creating fear among those wishing to enter the country.
Sairam Rivas insisted on the need to ensure dignified treatment for prisoners, access to their families, respect for due process, and the right to defense. He also requested that, in case of release, detainees be transferred to their places of origin due to the economic burden of keeping them away from their families.