Noel Álvarez, former president of Fedecámaras and national coordinator of the party GENTE. Photograph: X/ Mario Villegas.
Guacamaya, November 18, 2025. The release of the former president of Fedecámaras, Noel Álvarez, this Tuesday, November 18, has reignited demands for freedom for all political prisoners in Venezuela. His family, civil organizations, and opposition figures highlighted the suffering endured during his detention and reiterated that there can be no talk of peace as long as practices of persecution and imprisonment for political reasons persist.
The release of Noel Álvarez, detained for ten months for political reasons, marked a new episode in the long list of cases related to political prisoners in Venezuela. The news was confirmed by his daughter, Nohelia Álvarez, who expressed relief and gratitude after months of uncertainty.
According to her account, the time her father remained in custody was “a hard road, full of anguish and uncertainty, but also of faith, solidarity, and resistance.” She thanked the support of family members, organizations, and the media, and assured that the fight for the freedom of those who remain detained will continue. “My father is returning home, but many are still deprived of their liberty for thinking differently. For them, we remain steadfast. Until the last one is out,” she stated.
Álvarez’s detention occurred on January 10, 2025, during the swearing-in of Nicolás Maduro for a new presidential term. In a voice note sent to relatives and close friends, Álvarez alerted them to the presence of Sebin officials at his residence. Minutes later, his family reported that he had been a victim of forced disappearance.
Following news of his release, various political voices joined the messages of relief and denunciation. Among them was the former governor of Miranda and deputy elected to the 2026 National Assembly, Henrique Capriles, who described the release as good news but recalled that the underlying situation remains critical. “In Venezuela, we cannot speak of peace while there are citizens imprisoned for demanding their rights, for defending democracy, and for having thoughts contrary to those in power,” he said.
Capriles insisted that all political prisoners must be freed and called for an immediate end to the persecution. “The dignity, human rights, and freedom of every Venezuelan must be respected,” he maintained.
Álvarez’s release occurs in a context of growing international tensions and calls from several countries for the full release of those who have been detained for political reasons. Among the most important statements is that of the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who requested a General Amnesty in Venezuela.
Meanwhile, relatives and organizations reiterate that there will be no true peace until these practices disappear.
