Al menos 116 trabajadores venezolanos son presos políticos desde hace un año A clandestine organization, the Committee for the Freedom of Social Fighters of Venezuela, reported that 116 workers were politically imprisoned between September and November 2024. The majority, 101 individuals, are from the state-owned company Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (Pdvsa), arrested starting in August from three major refineries. These detentions are seen as part of a systematic strategy to criminalize union and labor activities, with accusations including terrorism and conspiracy.

• 116 Venezuelan workers imprisoned for political reasons between September and November 2024.
• 101 of the detained workers are from Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (Pdvsa).
• Workers were arrested starting in August from three key Pdvsa refineries: El Palito, José Antonio Anzoátegui, and Paraguaná.
• Accusations against detained workers include terrorism, conspiracy, association to commit a crime, and incitement to hatred.
• Detained individuals include older people and those with serious health conditions.
• The Committee for the Freedom of Social Fighters of Venezuela views these actions as a systematic strategy to criminalize union and labor rights.
• Recent arrest of Elías Torres, secretary-general of the Venezuelan Workers’ Confederation (CTV), on November 29, without a judicial order.
• Detentions also include workers from the press, education, NGOs, and human rights defenders.