Emirlendris Benítez is a 42 year-old mother, sister and tradeswoman who in August 2018 was arbitrarily detained for what are believed to be politically motivated reasons. In custody, Emirlendris’ pregnancy was terminated without her knowledge or consent and she was subjected to torture that has left her in urgent need of medical care and requiring long-term use of a wheelchair.

In 2022, Emirlendris was sentenced to 30-years in prison by a biased and politically motivated court; an example of the Venezuelan government’s terrifying policy of repression.

Authorities falsely linked Emirlendris to acts of violence committed against high-profile political leaders in Venezuela; an accusation for which there is no evidence and which she has consistently stated that she had no part in. 

The prison conditions that Emirlendris is currently enduring are so dire that her family has to provide her with her basic needs, including water, food and medication. This is further complicated by the humanitarian emergency that is currently crippling Venezuela, as it severely limits their own access to food, medicines, and transportation.

Emirlendris should have never been detained. Nicolás Maduro’s government has continually harassed, prosecuted and censored activists and civil society organisations working to protect the rights of Venezuelans.

Please call on the Venezuelan authorities to immediately release Emirlendris, ensure she receives the medical care she urgently needs, and investigate the torture and other grave human rights violations she’s suffered.