Venezuelan policeman accused of treason dies while in custody
A Venezuelan police officer accused of “treason” has died while being held by the state, according to opposition parties and rights groups. The incident comes as the interim government is releasing some political prisoners. Rights groups say there is little official information about the circumstances of the officer’s death. The opposition has blamed the government for the incident.
What we know
- Edison Jose Torres Fernandez, a 52-year-old police officer, was reportedly arrested in December for sharing messages critical of the regime.
- The opposition group Primero Justicia held the regime of Delcy Rodriguez responsible for his death.
- Rights group CLIPPVE stated there is no official information about the cause or circumstances of Torres Fernandez’s death.
- Since 2014, 18 political prisoners have died in custody in Venezuela, according to human rights organisations.
- NGO Foro Penal reports that Venezuela currently has more than 800 political prisoners, with over 2,000 people released after previous arrests.
