John Álvarez, an anthropology student at the Central University of Venezuela who was jailed and convicted four months ago on conspiracy and terrorism charges, was released Saturday as part of the U.S.-Venezuela prisoner swap that also allowed him to leave the country. by Alex Saab, a businessman close to Nicolás Maduro.
The 24-year-old Álvarez, who serves as youth secretary of the Red Flag party – far left and stubborn opponent of Chavismo – is subject to precautionary measures and must appear in court every fifteen days. The activist was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
The release of Álvarez was not without some concern and drama this weekend, as his departure from the La Yaguara Detainee Control and Protection Center in Caracas did not take effect when the prisoner exchange was announced. His parents then told the press with great concern that they were seeking advice from the authorities because they had no information about their son's whereabouts.
The young man was arrested while posting posters on Bolívar Avenue in central Caracas and was almost immediately subjected to harsh interrogations over his alleged political connections and activities. Police treatment of Álvarez sparked concern among lawyers and human rights activists, who reported that he was beaten, assaulted and forced to record a video in which he claimed responsibility for conspiratorial and subversive acts.
Weeks later, both Álvarez's defense attorneys and relatives reported that he received degrading treatment and torture, including electric shocks and beatings with blunt objects.
Joel García, one of his lawyers, had denounced that forensic doctors had concealed and covered up as much as possible the torture of Álvarez, which caused kidney damage and impaired the vision of his left eye.
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Álvarez's arrest came shortly after several union leaders who demanded higher salaries and questioned the behavior of Nicolás Maduro's government were also accused of terrorism. Along with Álvarez, these activists were sentenced to 16 years in prison. They too were released.
The student leader was received by his family, friends and relatives, including the rector of the Central University of Venezuela, Víctor Rago, who repeatedly called for his release “because it was an arbitrary measure and had no justification.”
Rago, who was personally committed to the cause, explained that the student's liberation was a consequence of the political dialogue that must be maintained and nurtured. “The fundamental thing is the opportunity for the interlocutors to sit down and talk and reach reasonable agreements; against those who believe that dialogue should not be sought. John left because the people he was associated with were free, it had to happen for legal logic.”