At least 15 teenagers in Venezuela have been charged with alleged “treason” for celebrating the removal of former socialist leader Nicolás Maduro, according to reports from the news outlet Runrunes.
On January 5th, these teenagers were reportedly playing in Barcelona, Anzoategui, when they were arrested by officers from the Bolivarian National Police and local police.
The arrests followed an anonymous tip that claimed “acts of terrorism” were occurring in their vicinity. It’s also noted that eight adults were taken into custody alongside the teenagers and were held in a local detention center.
Within two days of their arrest, the teenagers were transferred to a court for remote hearings, where they faced charges of “incitement to hatred, treason, and criminal association.” Relatives expressed concerns that the teens were not allowed proper legal representation during this process.
A Venezuelan lawyer in exile, Zair Mundarai, shared more details about the incident, stating that the group was merely participating in a carnival when they were detained without justification. He mentioned that city police arrested them for allegedly celebrating Maduro’s downfall.
Mundarai also highlighted the harsh conditions of the detention center where the minors were taken, suggesting it lacked even basic sanitary provisions. The local community is reportedly feeling a sense of fear and vulnerability as a result of these arrests.
Friends and family members of the detained teens indicated they had been asked to gather signatures in support of the youth, hinting it might lead to their release.
Despite being a signatory of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Venezuela’s government has been criticized for increasingly severe repression. Following Maduro’s removal on January 3, a wave of arrests took place aimed at suppressing any celebratory reactions among the populace.
José Antonio Colina, president of the NGO Venezuelan Politically Persecuted Exile (VEPPEX), noted that armed groups loyal to the regime have begun searching citizens’ phones for any signs of pro-U.S. sentiment or support for Maduro’s arrest.
This crackdown appears to reflect a broader strategy of intimidation led by high-ranking officials, including Diosdado Cabello, who has been linked to drug trafficking and the regime’s oppressive measures.
Recently, Jorge Rodriguez, who leads the National Assembly, announced that a number of political prisoners, including Venezuelans and foreign nationals, would be released as part of negotiations with the Trump administration.
However, local reports reveal that as of the end of last week, only a limited number of political prisoners—56—have been confirmed released, contradicting the government’s claims of 116 releases.
In the days following Rodriguez’s announcement, many families of political prisoners have been vigilant outside local jails, which often lack basic security. In some cases, these relatives have set up camps, relying on nearby shop owners and neighbors for support.
Aurora Silva, whose husband is a political prisoner, expressed mixed feelings of hope and frustration over the slow pace of releases. After 18 months, she was finally able to see her husband—though only through glass—but was relieved to know he was alive.
