A report released on Wednesday by Foro Penal highlights that most foreign nationals detained for political reasons in Venezuela are Colombian (21), followed by Spaniards (three).
Regarding Venezuelans with dual nationality being held as political prisoners, the organization noted that there are 13 Colombians, 13 Spaniards, six Italians, and five Portuguese, according to a summary shared on Instagram.
In June, Foro Penal estimated at least 927 political prisoners in Venezuela, with 758 being civilians and five adolescents aged between 14 and 17.
The organization also reported being unaware of the whereabouts of 52 political detainees.
The NGO states that since 2014, it has recorded 18,409 political arrests in Venezuela and has provided free legal assistance to more than 14 released detainees and other victims of human rights violations.
“Besides the political prisoners, more than 10,000 people remain arbitrarily subjected to restrictions on their freedom,” emphasized Foro Penal.
On May 28, the Venezuelan government accused several leading NGOs in the country of being part of a “terrorist structure,” leading to the arrest of opposition leaders.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello claimed that the NGOs Provea, Foro Penal, Médicos Unidos, and Maracaibo Posible were part of an alleged plan to “attack” the residences and embassies of Colombia, Spain, France, and UN offices, in an attempt to “boycott” the regional and legislative elections on May 25.
“We don’t care if they pretend to be human rights defenders (…), it’s pure nonsense, it’s a lie (…). No one who calls themselves a defender of human rights can make statements that threaten the peace of a country,” he stated.
Foro Penal is one of the country’s most visible NGOs, dedicated to tracking political prisoners in Venezuela.
