Cancelled Summit Dashes Hopes for Colombian Prisoners' Families in Venezuela
Families of Colombians imprisoned in Venezuela assembled at the Atanasio Girardot Binational Bridge on Friday, clutching signs and appeals for the release of their relatives. Their hopes were pinned on a scheduled meeting between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez, but the summit was abruptly cancelled the night before, leaving the families in profound disappointment.
Third Disappointment for Javier Giraldo
Javier Giraldo arrived at the international bridge linking Colombia and Venezuela, displaying a sign pleading for his father's freedom. This marked the third time this year that his hopes have been shattered. Initially, a U.S. military operation in January led to the capture of then-President Nicolás Maduro, disrupting plans. Subsequently, a Venezuelan amnesty law for political prisoners failed to secure his father's release.
His father, 70-year-old Javier Giraldo García, has been detained for four years at El Rodeo III prison in Guatire, approximately 36 kilometers southeast of Caracas. Though Colombian by birth, he resided in Venezuela for three decades before being captured in Táchira state on terrorism-related charges, according to his son.
Gradual Releases and Ongoing Detentions
Colombian prisoners in Venezuela have been released gradually since last year due to diplomatic efforts, as confirmed by Colombia's foreign ministry. However, figures from the Venezuela-based prisoner rights organization Foro Penal indicate that at least eight Colombians and 11 Colombian-Venezuelans remain detained in Venezuelan prisons.
The relatives of those still imprisoned have protested sporadically, with Friday's gathering being a poignant example. Ninfa Rebolledo, who joined the protesters despite the meeting cancellation, expressed hope for her son Albeiro Guevara's speedy release. He has been imprisoned for over six years on charges of "aggravated trafficking in transport," a crime he maintains he is innocent of.
No Handover at the Bridge
Rebolledo, who speaks with her son by phone every two weeks, said he believed the prisoners would be handed over at the international bridge. However, following the cancellation of the first in-person meeting between Petro and Rodríguez, there was no such activity at the bridge connecting Norte de Santander with Táchira state.
Colombia and Venezuela issued a joint statement late Thursday, assuring that a meeting would take place at a future date without providing further details. The cancellation, cited as due to unforeseen circumstances, has left families in limbo, their appeals unanswered and their loved ones still behind bars.
