48 years old
Franklin José Brito Rodríguez was a biologist and farmer who became one of the most emblematic victims of political persecution in Venezuela after denouncing the expropriation of his family’s land and demanding the restoration of his property rights. After years of unsuccessful legal efforts, he staged several hunger strikes to protest the actions of the Venezuelan authorities. On December 23, 2009, while conducting a hunger strike outside the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Caracas, he was forcibly removed by state officials and transferred against his will to the “Dr. Carlos Arvelo” Military Hospital. During his internment, he remained under the permanent custody of the State and was subjected to involuntary medical interventions, despite repeatedly expressing his refusal to receive treatment. After more than eight months of hospitalization, Franklin Brito passed away on August 30, 2010, as a result of complications arising from his prolonged hunger strike. His death sparked widespread national and international condemnation, and human rights organizations questioned the legality of his forced hospitalization, the restrictions placed on his personal liberty, and the conduct of the State in his case. More than a decade later, his death continues to symbolize the consequences of persecution against citizens who peacefully challenged state authorities, while no official has been held accountable for the violations related to his detention and death.