A Venezuelan couple faces a potential 20-year prison sentence in Venezuela if Finland's immigration office deports them after their asylum application was denied.
A Venezuelan couple, Deylin Anzola and Luis Zapata, was recently denied asylum by the Finnish immigration authorities on the grounds that they are not significant political actors, and their past participation in protests does not pose a substantial threat to their safety. The couple fears that if deported to Venezuela, they could face severe repercussions, potentially leading to a 20-year prison sentence due to the country's new laws that have tightened government control over civil society, political opposition, and media.
Having left Venezuela for Peru in 2018 because of the oppressive political situation and the crackdown on protests, Anzola and Zapata have found life in Peru increasingly difficult amid economic challenges and growing anti-Venezuelan sentiment. In 2025, they sought asylum in Finland, hoping to find a place where they could feel secure and avoid the dangers associated with returning to their home country. Their story highlights the struggles faced by many Venezuelans as they escape a deteriorating political landscape and seek safety abroad.
This case raises important questions about the treatment of asylum seekers in Europe and the criteria used by immigration authorities to evaluate their claims. As countries like Finland continue to navigate the complexities of immigration and asylum policies, the experiences of individuals like Anzola and Zapata underscore the urgent need for a compassionate approach in addressing human rights and safety concerns for those fleeing persecution.
