Add source Login
'Full of hope' - Venezuelan families hold candlelight vigil demanding release of detainees at El Helicoide

'Full of hope' - Venezuelan families hold candlelight vigil demanding release of detainees at El Helicoide

"Relatives of detainees held a vigil outside the headquarters of the Bolivarian National Police Corps at El Helicoide on Tuesday, calling for the release of those still in custody, after the Venezuelan government announced a release process last week. Footage recorded on Tuesday in Caracas shows relatives of people deprived of their liberty holding candles and photographs of their loved ones, calling on Venezuelan authorities to free the prisoners. “We have been here for many days waiting for the release of all the political prisoners,” said Mayra Morales, a relative of one detainee. She said she had not heard from her brother for six months. However, she said she trusted statements made by Jorge Rodriguez, President of the National Assembly, regarding the release process as part of national unity and efforts to achieve peace. “We remain full of hope and faith,” she added. That sense of trust was echoed by Yaneth Hernandez, another relative who took part in the vigil. "I do trust, right now I do. Why? First, because we are allowed to be here on the street, without being intimidated. That already gives me confidence to be here, because before nothing could be said." Tuesday marked the sixth consecutive day of the vigil outside El Helicoide. During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Jorge Rodriguez highlighted the release of more than 400 people since December 2024, stating that they were not 'political prisoners' but 'politicians who had broken the law'."