Nahuel Gallo and other 200 political prisoners have started a hunger strike in Venezuela
Nahuel Gallo, an Argentine gendarme detained in Venezuela, has joined over 200 political prisoners in a hunger strike to protest against the lack of amnesty laws that benefit many inmates in their prison.
Nahuel Gallo, an Argentine gendarme currently imprisoned in Venezuela, has initiated a hunger strike along with more than 200 fellow political prisoners at the Rodeo 1 detention center, located near Caracas. This action, confirmed by both AFP news agency and Gallo's partner Maria Alexandra Gomez via social media, is a response to widespread dissatisfaction over the proposed amnesty law, which many prisoners feel does not offer them any relief or support. As Gallo's partner emphasized on her X account, the hunger strike commenced on Friday night and seeks to bring attention to their dire circumstances.
The hunger strike represents a collective effort, with families of the political prisoners rallying to support their loved ones and to publicize the dire conditions faced by these inmates. In a video shared on social media, relatives indicated a total of around 213 political prisoners participating in the protest. Their demands include improved medical assistance and basic rights, such as better healthcare and humane treatment. The protests highlight the significant discontent regarding the Venezuelan government's handling of political imprisonment and the continuing struggles for justice among those labeled as political dissidents.
This collective hunger strike underscores the growing tension within Venezuelan society surrounding political repression and the treatment of prisoners by the government. As the situation unfolds, the implications for both national and international perceptions of Venezuela's human rights practices may be profound, putting pressure on the government to respond to the inmates' demands. The presence of an Argentine citizen among those participating in the hunger strike may also open avenues for diplomatic dialogue and interventions by international organizations concerned with the treatment of foreign nationals in the Venezuelan penal system.