Venezuela has 19 prisons for corruption network, says president of the National Assembly

The president of the National Assembly of Venezuela, Jorge Rodríguez, confirmed, at this terça-feira (21) that 19 people were imprisoned now in the scope of an investigation for an alleged network of administrative corruption and embezzlement in different sectors of public power.

Rodríguez mentioned that among the prisoners there are prefects, public officials and judges, but he has not specified their names. The parliamentarian warned that he is certain that there are still more arrests, and asked the committees of the National Assembly to review all the laws against corruption so that the punishments will be harsher. In his opinion of him, the rules are “very mild”.

On the other hand, he asked that they investigate the Venezuelan opposition, after accusing its members of diverting resources and “requesting blockades and sanctions against the country.”

During the session, parliamentarians read a document issued by the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) at the request of representative Diosdado Cabello, in which it is argued that in the case of parliamentarian Hugbel Roa, imprisoned in recent days, there are elements to be considered that they should be flagrant.

The parliamentarians unanimously approved the lifting of the parliamentary immunity of Roa.

As explained by Rodríguez, in accordance with what was established in the declaration of the TSJ, the process in this case would not contemplate a judgment of merit, but should follow its course in ordinary justice for allegedly having committed acts of corruption. TO CNN I tried to get in contact with Roa’s defense to find out his version of the accusations, but at this time I have not received a response.

Roa had held the position of Minister of Higher Education and had never been a deputy between 2016-2021. Details about the specific charges against him and the sentence he may face are unknown.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office reported this Sunday (19) in a statement that before the arrests carried out by the National Anti-Corruption Police of a group of public officials, “the pertinent procedures will be initiated for their judgment”, with the name of prosecutors specializing in corruption , organized crime, human rights and full agreement.

The Bolivarian National Police communicated on Sunday about the arrest of various officials, including a judge, regulators and prefects.