Venezuelan Authorities Detain Prominent Journalist Amid Political Unrest

Venezuelan journalist Carmela Longo was detained by police in Caracas after leaving her job at a pro-government newspaper. Authorities raided her home, confiscating computers and detaining her son. This incident follows the detainment of eight other reporters post the disputed July 28 presidential election. Venezuela holds 1,674 political prisoners.

A well-known Venezuelan journalist was detained in Caracas on Sunday after police raided her home, a local journalists' union and rights organization reported. Carmela Longo, who had recently left her job at the pro-government newspaper Ultimas Noticias, was taken into custody.

The National Union of Press Workers of Venezuela (SNTP) and Espacio Publico stated on their social media accounts that agents carrying a search warrant apprehended Longo and seized some computer equipment. Longo, along with her son, was seen being led into a police van by officers dressed in black.

Her detainment comes in the wake of at least eight other reporters being detained following the contentious July 28 presidential election. The Ministry of Information and the Attorney General's Office have yet to comment on these arrests. Meanwhile, the country holds 1,674 political prisoners, according to rights NGO Foro Penal.

(With inputs from agencies.)