The US has criticized the Venezuelan government over the death of an opposition figure in custody, calling it a reminder of the vile nature of President Nicolás Maduro's regime.
Alfredo Díaz died in his prison cell at the El Helicoide prison in Caracas where he was being held for more than a year, according to human rights organizations and opposition groups.
The Venezuelan government claimed the 56-year-old exhibited signs of a heart attack and was taken to a hospital, where he died on Saturday.
This incident adds to the growing tension between the US and Venezuela, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken labeling Díaz's treatment and death as indicative of systemic human rights abuses in the country.
Díaz was among opposition members who contested the legitimacy of the presidential election results in 2024, which declared Maduro the victor despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud. He faced severe charges, including incitement to hatred and terrorism for his outspoken stance against the regime.
Alfredo Romero, president of the Venezuelan human rights group Foro Penal, announced Díaz's unfortunate death and mentioned that he had been in solitary confinement, allowed only one visit from his daughter during his imprisonment. The group has now documented 17 political prisoner deaths since 2014.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado reflected on Díaz’s death, calling it part of a painful series of fatalities among political prisoners under the current administration, further emphasizing the dire human rights situation in Venezuela.
The US has increased military presence in the region while accusing Maduro of leading a drug cartel and threatening intervention, exacerbating the already strained diplomatic relations.
Internationally, Díaz's death has sparked renewed calls for action against Maduro’s government, intensifying scrutiny on its treatment of political dissenters.
