Foro Penal reports government refusal to hold talks and demands repeal of the Hate Law

The president and director of the human rights organization Foro Penal, Alfredo Romero, stated on October 4, 2026, that senior Venezuelan government officials have declined to hold institutional meetings with representatives of the civil entity amid current debates over judicial reform.

During an interview broadcast on the television program Abriendo Puertas, Romero explained that he has attempted to establish direct communication with Delcy Rodríguez, Jorge Rodríguez, and Attorney General Larry Devoe, without receiving an opening to engage in dialogue. According to the lawyer, authorities have kept channels closed to technical discussions with human rights advocates regarding official legislative proposals.

Addressing pending legislative revisions, Romero firmly rejected a partial amendment to the Hate Law and demanded its complete repeal. He argued that the legal instrument lacks precise criminal definitions, violates constitutional guarantees, and has operated as a tool for arbitrary political persecution and limits on freedom of expression. He also reported that the organization maintains a certified registry of 324 political prisoners across the country.

Alfredo Romero heads Foro Penal, a Venezuelan non-governmental organization focused on legal assistance and documenting arbitrary detentions and political persecution. Delcy Rodríguez leads executive government functions in Venezuela following prior roles as executive vice president and foreign minister.