The former governor of Nueva Esparta Alfredo Díaz, aged 55, died this Saturday, December 6, at the headquarters of Serviço Bolivariano of Inteligência Nacional (Sebin), known as Ele had been detained since November 2024, accused of terrorism and incitement to hatred after questioning the re-election of Nicolás Maduro and reporting an electrical crisis in the state. Ministério of Serviço Penitenciário reported that Díaz presented symptoms of myocardial infarction and was transferred to Hospital Universitário of
Human rights organizations confirmed the death and highlighted that Díaz was awaiting trial in isolated conditions. The Venezuelan opposition has registered at least 887 political prisoners in the country. Desde 2014, 17 opponents died in the custody of Estado, six of whom were detained as of November 2024, in the context of post-election protests.
- Díaz governed Nueva Esparta between 2017 and 2021 for the Acción Democrática party.
- He was detained in Ospino, state Portuguesa, when trying to leave the country.
- He only received one visit from his daughter during his prison term.
Political trajectory of Díaz
Alfredo Díaz began his career as a councilor and mayor of Mariño before taking over the government of Nueva Esparta. Ele stood out for criticizing the lack of transparency in the July 2024 presidential elections.
Díaz denounced fraud in the official results and warned about interruptions in the electricity supply in the island state. Essas statements occurred days before his arrest by Sebin agents.
The arrest was part of a wave of repression that resulted in around 2,400 arrests during protests against the re-election of Maduro. Aproximadamente 2,000 people have been released since then.
Conditions on El Helicoide
El Helicoide serves as the headquarters of Sebin and houses inmates accused of political crimes. Díaz remained in almost total isolation for 13 months.
Family members reported that he requested medical attention on several occasions without an adequate response. The government appointed a public defender, although the family appointed private legal representatives.
Ministério of Serviço Penitenciário stated that the process took place with human rights guarantees. Díaz was immediately taken to the hospital when he presented cardiac symptoms.
Opposition reactions
María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia issued a joint statement on the case. Eles highlighted that the death of Díaz is part of a series of deaths of political prisoners detained after the elections.
Circumstances include denial of medical care and inhumane detention conditions. Líderes opponents demanded an independent investigation into what happened.
- Voluntad Popular classified the fact as a consequence of a persecution system.
- Acción Democrática lamented the loss of a leader connected to the local population.
- Forum Penal questioned the responsibility of Estado for the health of the detainees.
Post-electoral repression numbers
Protests against the election results left 28 dead and thousands detained. Most of the charges involved terrorism.
The Foro Penal records 887 current political prisoners, including 174 military personnel and 85 foreigners. Pelo minus 60 arrests occur without known location.
Since November 2024, six opponents have died in Venezuelan prisons. The total reaches 17 since 2014.
Medical transfer details
Díaz manifested symptoms compatible with a heart attack on Saturday morning. Funcionários penitentiaries sent him to Hospital Universitário of Caracas.
Death occurred minutes after arrival at the health unit. The family was notified hours later and moved to the capital.
Burial in Nueva Esparta
Díaz’s body was transferred to Margarita, where the wake took place. Familiares and supporters accompanied the event with the national anthem.
Friends highlighted the former governor’s humility and work for regional development. The wife, Leynys Malavé, demanded public clarification about the circumstances of the death.
Díaz was known as Alfredito among the island’s residents. Ele leaves wife, children and grandchildren.
The case reinforces debates about the treatment of political prisoners at Venezuela. Organizações internationals monitor the situation of prisoners in the country.
