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Venezuela Hunger Strike Escalates for Political Prisoners

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. er-strike-escalates-for-political-prisoners.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 19:21 GMT by WTOP News
      Locale: N/A, VENEZUELA

CARACAS, Venezuela - February 15th, 2026 - The desperate plea for freedom for Venezuela's political prisoners has escalated dramatically with an expanding hunger strike led by the families of those incarcerated. What began Saturday as a protest in Caracas involving dozens of families has rapidly gained momentum, attracting attention from international human rights organizations and reigniting calls for President Nicolas Maduro's government to address its controversial detentions.

The hunger strike represents a significant intensification of the ongoing struggle against what critics describe as a systematic crackdown on dissent. The families are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of activists, journalists, former politicians, and ordinary citizens imprisoned for opposing Maduro's rule, particularly in the wake of the contested 2018 presidential election.

Maria Elena, a key figure in the movement and whose husband has been detained for two years following participation in an anti-government demonstration, poignantly explained the families' motives: "We are doing this because the government refuses to listen to us. They ignore our petitions, dismiss our concerns, and continue to justify the imprisonment of our loved ones with baseless accusations. We are risking our health to save theirs."

The Venezuelan government insists the detentions are lawful, claiming due process is followed in all cases and characterizing the prisoners as criminals. However, this narrative is strongly contested by international bodies like the United Nations and leading human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. These organizations have documented numerous cases of politically motivated arrests, arbitrary detentions, and a judicial system heavily influenced by the executive branch. Reports consistently detail a pattern of fabricated charges, unfair trials, and inhumane prison conditions.

A Growing Crisis: Years of Repression

The roots of this crisis extend back years, marked by increasing political polarization and economic hardship. Following the deeply disputed 2018 re-election of Nicolas Maduro, the government tightened its grip on power, leading to a surge in arrests and prosecutions of opposition figures. Many were accused of crimes ranging from treason and conspiracy to terrorism, often based on flimsy evidence. The crackdown effectively silenced many voices of dissent and severely limited political space.

The hunger strike is not an isolated event. Over the past several years, numerous protests and demonstrations have taken place across Venezuela, demanding political freedoms and an end to human rights abuses. However, these calls have largely been ignored by the Maduro administration, leading to increasing frustration and desperation among the families and supporters of the prisoners.

International Response and Escalating Pressure The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has repeatedly expressed concern over the situation in Venezuela, urging the government to respect due process and ensure the fair treatment of all detainees. Various countries, including the United States and members of the European Union, have imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials accused of human rights violations. However, these measures have had limited impact in securing the release of the prisoners. The current hunger strike is seen as a desperate attempt to break the deadlock and force the government to take action.

"We will not stop until all political prisoners are free," declared a spokesperson for the families' coalition during a press conference in Caracas. "This is a matter of justice, and we will fight until we achieve victory. We are appealing to the international community to stand with us and put pressure on the Maduro regime to respect human rights and release our loved ones."

Medical personnel are closely monitoring the health of the striking families, providing support and documenting any deterioration in their conditions. Organizers have stated they are prepared to sustain the strike indefinitely, highlighting the gravity of their commitment and the depth of their despair.

Looking Ahead: A Complex Situation The situation remains highly volatile. While the hunger strike has garnered significant attention, the Maduro government has yet to respond meaningfully. Experts warn that a prolonged standoff could lead to further escalation of tensions and potentially exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. Negotiations, facilitated by international mediators, appear to be the most viable path towards a resolution, but the government's willingness to engage in good faith remains uncertain. The world watches as Venezuelan families demonstrate extraordinary courage in their fight for justice, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to this tragic situation.