Argentine gendarme Nahuel Gallo, detained in Venezuela since December 2024, started a hunger strike at El Rodeo I prison to be included in the recent amnesty. His wife confirmed the action, joined by about 200 political prisoners. The International Red Cross visited the facility on Sunday.
Nahuel Gallo, an Argentine gendarme detained by the Venezuelan government on December 8, 2024, began a hunger strike on Friday night at El Rodeo I prison, near Caracas. The protest aims for his inclusion in the amnesty recently decreed by interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, which excludes military cases and terrorism-related activities.
His wife, María Alexandra Gómez, confirmed the fast on social media, denouncing that the conditions "border on the inhumane." Gómez held the facility director, Martinez Rangel, responsible and appealed to Delcy Rodríguez and National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez to release Gallo, stating he is innocent. Gallo's mother-in-law, Yalitza García, specified that approximately 214 people, including Venezuelans and foreigners, joined the strike, though not all inmates at El Rodeo I participated.
Initially supported by about 100 detainees, the NGO Foro Penal, via director Alfredo Romero, reported a significantly higher number. Gallo demands consular assistance and a Red Cross visit to end the action, according to a message to his family.
On Sunday, a team from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) accessed the prison for the first time. Filippo Gatti, ICRC health coordinator for Venezuela, told relatives: "This is a first step, and I think we're on the right path." Meanwhile, the amnesty, approved by Venezuela's Congress on Thursday, has led to the release of hundreds of political prisoners; Foro Penal reported 23 releases on Sunday, including five from El Rodeo I.
The legislation has been criticized by opposition figures for its exclusions, amid a context of reforms following recent events in Venezuela.
