Venezuelans Appeal to Brazil's Lula for Release of 'Political Prisoners'

Hundreds of Venezuelans have marched to the Brazilian embassy in Caracas, seeking the intervention of Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in securing the release of approximately 2,500 individuals deemed 'political prisoners' by the opposition. This move underscores the deep political crisis in Venezuela, where the legitimacy of President Maduro's third term is contested by the opposition and much of the international community. The opposition's candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, has been granted asylum in Spain following threats of arrest, highlighting the tense political atmosphere. Additionally, Human Rights Watch has urged Latin American governments to enhance protection for Venezuelan and Haitian immigrants, who face challenges in accessing work, education, and healthcare, prompting an increase in migration towards the United States.