Hunger Strikes and Debates: Venezuela's Road to Political Reformation

Relatives of Venezuelan political prisoners commenced a hunger strike on Saturday, urging the release of dissidents incarcerated under President Nicolas Maduro's administration. The action coincides with discussions of an amnesty law within Venezuela's National Assembly.

The hunger strike, detailed by the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners on Instagram, involves 10 participants and will continue until the government releases all 33 prisoners at Caracas's Zona 7 detention center. Earlier, 17 prisoners were freed, reuniting tearfully with their families, though releases from Zona 7 have been infrequent.

Despite recent limited liberations, National Assembly debates hold potential for significant political reform, seeking to release detained activists. Exiled opposition leader Maria Corina Machado advocates for new elections, proposing an orderly transition to democracy during a conference address.