UPDATE: Disturbing details have emerged from the harrowing experiences of Ivan Colmenares Garcia, a Colombian lawyer who was detained under Nicolas Maduro‘s brutal regime in Venezuela. In a shocking revelation, Garcia describes life in prison as filled with “only bad days and worse days.” His testimony comes amidst ongoing international scrutiny of Maduro’s actions following his recent capture by U.S. forces.
Garcia, 35, was forcibly arrested despite having all proper permits while crossing into Venezuela from Colombia. He endured a year of torture that included sleep deprivation, freezing conditions, and overcrowding in a notorious prison, where the toilet frequently overflowed. “I was made to lie on the ground surrounded by armed men,” Garcia recounted, detailing the psychological and physical torment he faced.
This urgent account highlights the plight of over 700 political prisoners still held in Venezuela. Among them are the brothers of opposition politician Tomas Guanipa, who has not backed down from demanding their release. “Political prisoners should be the main issue,” Guanipa stated, calling on Donald Trump to leverage his influence for their freedom. “They are just regular people—fathers, mothers, sons.”
Despite the recent hope following Maduro’s capture, which many believed could lead to a turning point for political prisoners, Garcia’s experience underscores a grim reality. He reflects, “I left great friends in jail. My brothers.” His urgent plea echoes the sentiments of families desperate for intervention.
One of Garcia’s most chilling memories involves being kept in a place they referred to as “the fish bowl,” a freezing basement where inmates endured constant light and severe restrictions. “We were woken at 5 a.m. and had to sit in silence all day,” he described. “Everything was horrible.”
The situation is compounded by political dynamics within Venezuela. Exiled leader Maria Corina Machado is advocating for a transition of power, but U.S. intelligence reportedly believes Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, may be a more stable choice for leadership. This has raised concerns among the families of political prisoners, who fear that their loved ones may be forgotten in the shifting political landscape.
As Garcia continues to advocate for his fellow detainees, he urges international leaders to act. “The only hope we had was that there might be some international intervention,” he said. “But now, with Maduro’s capture, it is in Trump’s hands.”
With the world watching, the families of Venezuelan political prisoners remain in a state of limbo, hoping for their loved ones’ release. The urgency of their situation cannot be overstated, as the call for justice and freedom grows louder.
As developments unfold, the international community’s response will be crucial in determining the fate of those still enduring the horrors of Maduro’s regime.
