Venezuela AG Denies Political Prisoners Ahead of Contentious Election

Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab denies the existence of political prisoners and claims no one is prosecuted for political opinions ahead of the presidential elections. Despite Saab's reassurances, advocacy groups report roughly 290 political detainees. The opposition accuses the government of unfair practices amidst a tense electoral campaign.

Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab firmly stated that Venezuela does not prosecute individuals for their political views and that the country holds no political prisoners, ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.

As President Nicolas Maduro seeks a third term against opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, the campaign has been clouded by arrests linked to the opposition, conspiracy accusations, and possible fraud warnings. Advocacy groups report nearly 290 people detained nationwide on political grounds.

Saab claims that those imprisoned are involved in terrorist activities, not political motives. The opposition condemns these arrests and other alleged acts to disrupt fair election processes. Approximately 21.3 million people are eligible to vote, and international observers like the Carter Center will be monitoring the elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)