Amnesty International has documented and widely denounced arbitrary arrests for political reasons that are committed by state agents in Venezuela. The organisation warns of the existence of different patterns through which political dissidents -or those perceived as such- are arbitrarily detained

Amnesty International urgently calls for respect toward the judicial guarantees, due process and freedom of people who have been arbitrarily detained for political reasons. The Venezuelan State must promote guarantees of non-repetition to dismantle the policy of repression implemented by the authorities

In recent years, Amnesty International has documented and widely denounced arbitrary arrests for political reasons that are committed by state agents in Venezuela. The organisation warns of the existence of different patterns through which political dissidents -or those perceived as such- are arbitrarily detained. These patterns range from arrests without warrants or in flagrante delicto; the use of ambiguous criminal types and discretionary interpretation; the prosecution of civilians before military courts; and the ignorance of orders for the release of people deprived of their freedom issued by the judicial authority on the custodians or other state agents.

In addition, Amnesty International has received numerous complaints on the inhumane conditions of different prisons throughout the country in which many of these people are held, including illegal places of imprisonment. Among the complaints, it can be highlighted the lack of access to water, food or sunlight. On many occasions, visits are suspended and people are isolated and incommunicado for no reason.

These patterns of arbitrary detention -the organisation has concluded- are part of a policy of repression that also includes the excessive use of force.

Amnesty International is once again expressing its concern on these arbitrary patterns that continue to be used to quiet criticism and even hinder the work of social activists and student leaders. In this regard, the organisation once again demands the immediate and unconditional release of the prisoners of conscience Geraldine Chacón, Gregory Hinds, Leopoldo López and Villca Fernández. Likewise, the organization expresses its rejection towards the possibility of holding adolescents in the offices of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), and the repeated ignorance toward judicial orders of medical transfers and release.

Amnesty International urgently calls for respect toward the judicial guarantees, due process and freedom of people who have been arbitrarily detained for political reasons. The Venezuelan State must promote guarantees of non-repetition to dismantle the policy of repression implemented by the authorities.