The political crisis in Venezuela following the July presidential elections has crossed borders, placing a group of Spanish citizens at the center of a diplomatic conflict. It is currently estimated that about twenty people with Spanish nationality remain in detention on Venezuelan soil, trapped in a legal limbo and under accusations that their families describe as ‘fabricated’.
Moreover, they are part of the prisoners that the government has threatened in recent weeks. According to several media outlets, political prisoners held in the country’s prisons have been threatened with death in the event of an external attack. However, neither the Spanish embassy nor the Government have spoken about the situation.
A Scenario of Political Persecution in Venezuela
Following Nicolás Maduro’s controversial victory, the Venezuelan regime intensified arrests under Operation Tun Tun, aimed at any sign of dissent. Among the detainees, the case of Bilbao natives Andrés Martínez Adasme and José María Basoa Valdovinos has been the most media-highlighted. Accused of belonging to the CNI and planning an attack against Maduro, their families insist that they were merely tourists.
The Profiles: Ordinary Citizens and Binationals
The list of twenty does not only include these “alleged spies.” The majority are citizens with dual nationality (Hispanic-Venezuelan) who resided in the country. Many were arrested in the context of post-electoral protests, facing serious charges such as:
- Terrorism and criminal conspiracy.
- Hate incitement.
- Treason.
The Consular Blockade: The Major Obstacle
The main hurdle for the Spanish Government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is Venezuela’s refusal to recognize the Spanish nationality of the binational detainees. Caracas processes them exclusively as Venezuelans, which prevents Spain’s consular services from providing legal assistance, visiting the prisons, or verifying their health status.
«We are facing total lack of defense. There is no transparency in the proceedings and access to private lawyers is almost non-existent», denounce human rights organizations.
An Uncertain Future
Despite the discreet diplomatic efforts that the Spanish Government says it is undertaking, the situation remains stalled. The detainees are dispersed among detention centers known for their harsh conditions, such as El Helicoide or the Yare III prison. Meanwhile, their names have become bargaining chips at a political negotiation table where justice seems to be the last priority.
