Venezuelan Lawyers Challenge Detention in Salvadoran Prison

Lawyers representing the Venezuelan government have filed a legal petition in El Salvador to release 238 Venezuelans deported by the US and held in a Salvadoran maximum-security prison. Jaime Ortega, who represents 30 of the detainees, has filed a habeas corpus petition to justify their detention.

On Monday, lawyers employed by the Venezuelan government initiated legal proceedings in El Salvador. Their objective is to secure the release of 238 Venezuelans who were deported by the United States and are currently confined in a Salvadoran maximum-security prison.

Jaime Ortega, an attorney advocating on behalf of 30 of the detained Venezuelans, disclosed that a habeas corpus petition was submitted to the Supreme Court's constitutional chamber. Ortega explained that they are seeking for this action to be extended to cover all Venezuelans detained in El Salvador.

This legal maneuver mandates the Salvadoran government to substantiate the legality of the prisoners' detention. Meanwhile, the Salvadoran authorities have maintained silence regarding the prisoners' status, despite a US federal judge's order to reverse the deportation flights. The Trump administration is invoking an 18th-century wartime statute, claiming the detainees are affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang, labeled as an invading force.

(With inputs from agencies.)