Portuguese political prisoners still being held by Venezuela

Portugal has requested the intervention of Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, to secure the release of five Portuguese-Venezuelan political prisoners who remain detained in the South American country’s jails.

The request, as explained by Frederico Silva in interview with Lusa news agency, was made during a recent meeting at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, on the occasion of the presentation of Silva’s credentials as Portugal’s ambassador to Venezuela.

“As in any other relevant contact, I also raised this issue with the president, requesting a review of the cases, also in light of this process so important for Venezuela and its future, which is the process of national reconciliation, with an inclusive dialogue open to all Venezuelan parties involved,” said the diplomat.

The new ambassador further stressed that “Portugal strongly encourages Venezuela to continue on this same path of national reconciliation” – underlining that “an important part of this effort, of this process, is the release of all those who are detained for political reasons, among whom are these five Portuguese citizens, Luso-Venezuelans.”

“We always have every hope that good news will happen (…) which is why we work every day and therefore (…) it is a topic that we never fail to present at all levels, as was the case with President Delcy Rodríguez, during the presentation of credentials,” he said.

Frederico Silva began by explaining that “the situation of our nationals is always, by definition, at the top of our concerns” for Portugal and the Portuguese Embassy in the country.

“That is true now, as it was true in the past, in recent years,” he said.

Silva also emphasised that his predecessors, the Portuguese consuls-general in Valencia and Caracas, and Portuguese political leaders, “have always been attentive and committed to the issue of detainees.”

“From the outset, we welcomed, and I had the opportunity to convey to the president our recognition of the recent release of one of the detainees. A total of five have been released since the beginning of the year, which naturally pleased the prisoners and their families in Portugal,” he said.

Regarding the meeting with Delcy Rodríguez, the diplomat also highlighted “the enthusiastic way in which she reacted when he explained the value, the importance, and the size of the Portuguese and Luso-descendant community, their children and grandchildren, for Venezuela.”

“She reacted very enthusiastically, corroborating this, and noting once again, as I have gathered from all the officials I have spoken with, the very special appreciation, affection, and warmth that marks the relationship between Venezuelans and our community,” he added.

Silva further explained that the two also discussed “in considerable detail the possibilities that are opening up in terms of economic, commercial, and financial cooperation” between the two countries.

“In fact, Portugal already has many very active and important companies in neighbouring countries in diverse areas, from energy and services to technology and agri-food, in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay,” he explained.

Frederico Silva also said that Ms Rodríguez detailed Venezuela’s interest in diversifying its economic and commercial partnerships.

“She also drew attention to the reforms that, in this sense, are being undertaken by the Venezuelan government, aiming to create a business environment marked by security and predictability that any investor, any entrepreneur wants to see,” he said.

The new ambassador to Venezuela stressed that his focus will be on strengthening of bilateral relations.

“Obviously, that is our direction. We are here for that. The Embassy is here to be alongside the Portuguese community, the Portuguese-descendant community, its interests, its protection, and also, systematically and permanently, to explore, identify and work on all areas of common agreement, and for common advantages in the economic sphere, but also in academic cooperation, cultural cooperation, everything that unites States and peoples,” he said.

Data released by the non-governmental organisation Fórum Penal (FP) indicates that, as of June 1, 404 people were still imprisoned for political reasons in Venezuela, including 39 foreigners, five of whom hold Portuguese nationality.

Source: LUSA