Venezuela, eight prisoners on hunger strike in serious condition

Eight military political prisoners in the Ramo Verde prison, in the Venezuelan state of Miranda, suffered their first illnesses after four days of hunger strike. This was reported by the Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP), reporting that the inmates needed emergency medical assistance and hydration.

The protest, which began on November 9, involves a total of 36 people, including many of the soldiers involved in the so-called Cotiza case, accused of treason for having mutinied against Nicolas Maduro's government. The protesters claim to have already served their sentences and are calling for a review of the judicial proceedings and the application of the amnesty law, contesting procedural delays and alleged irregularities.

According to testimonies collected by the OVP from family members, restrictions on access to drinking water and toilets had been imposed since the beginning of the protest. On Friday, the prison authorities also suspended all visits for the 235 inmates of the facility and strengthened the military presence at the entrances.

The organization denounced the absence of representatives of the authorities to initiate discussions with the detainees and asked for urgent intervention to protect their health and fundamental rights.