Venezuelan police officer accused of treason dies in state custody

A Venezuelan police officer accused of treason has died while in state custody, according to human rights groups and opposition figures, raising fresh concerns about the treatment of political detainees in the country.

Edison José Torres Fernández, 52, died on January 10, 2026, two days after the government announced it would release a “significant number” of detainees, including foreigners. However, relatives and rights groups say only about 20 political prisoners have been freed so far, Caliber.Az reports, citing Venezuelan media. 

The Committee of Relatives for the Freedom of Political Prisoners (CLIPP) reported that Torres Fernández died 62 hours after the official announcement of the releases. The organisation said he had been detained since December 9, 2025, after sharing messages critical of the government and the governor of Portuguesa state, where he served as a police officer for more than 20 years. According to the group, he was charged with treason and conspiracy.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office said Torres Fernández suffered a sudden health crisis while in custody and was transferred to the Dr. Domingo Luciani Hospital in eastern Caracas, where he arrived with vital signs and received medical attention. The authorities said he later suffered a stroke followed by cardiac arrest, which caused his death.

However, CLIPP said there has been no official information about the circumstances of his detention, the conditions in which he was held, or the medical care he received before his transfer to hospital. The organisation said this lack of transparency makes the state responsible for his life and well-being.

The opposition party Primero Justicia, whose leader Juan Pablo Guanipa is imprisoned, also announced the death and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, both civilian and military.

According to human rights organisations, 18 political prisoners have died in Venezuelan state custody since 2014. The NGO Foro Penal says more than 800 people are currently detained in Venezuela for political reasons.

By Sabina Mammadli