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General Victor Licandro remains in detention. Also imprisoned is Winston Nelson rra, author of the short story that last year caused the suspension and subse- ent closure of the prestigious weekly Marcha and the detention for several months of the literary jury and the editors of the magazine.
Much international attention has been aroused by the fact that prisoners under judicial process are removed - in violation of the prison regulations – from their prison to military barracks throughout the country. There are individual instances, but the two best known groups consist of leading members of the urban guerrilla movement, the National Liberation Movement (MLN) – Tupamaros. Secretary General Martin Ennals replied to President Bordaberry's public statement that all prisoners were detained in proper penal establishments by suggesting that facilities be provided for jurists to visit the prisoners in question, thereby putting an end to adverse international publicity.
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In 1974, there was an attempt by prominent jurists and other personalities to form an independent commission for the defence of human rights. The attempt failed on the grounds that there already existed such a commission within the Council of State, the 25-member body that has replaced Parliament. Although AI frequently uses this channel for lodging complaints about infringements of human rights, it is clear that this body, appointed by the Executive Power, cannot have the independence to protect citizens against abuse of authority, in the same way as the military official (juez sumariante) appointed by his superior officers to investigate the case of a political suspect cannot have the independence of a civilian judge exercising his function within a system of separation of powers.
Venezuela
Amnesty International groups are at present investigating two cases in Venezuela. Both are peasants detained for alleged collaboration with guerrilla groups; both are held under military justice. Three peasants adopted in 1973 were released in late 1974 after AI adoption groups exchanged cables and letters with Venezuelan officials, including President Carlos Andrés Pérez who took office in March 1974. The released prisoners had been held without trial under military law, charged with military rebellion. One of the three, Simón José Gil, was detained in January 1969, and released after almost five years' detention without trial.
AI has received considerable information on torture and maltreatment in Venezuela prior to 1974, but there have been no more recent allegations.
In November 1974 AI received information on over 100 prisoners held in Venezuela for political reasons. Most are held for alleged guerrilla activity. Almost all of these prisoners are held under military justice,charged with military rebellion, and were detained between 1968 and 1973. Many alleged severe torture by both military and civilian security agencies. Only a small percentage have been tried. A number of political prisoners sentenced to long prison terms for military rebellion were released in early 1975.