Venezuelan Doctor Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for WhatsApp Criticism of Maduro Government

Nov 18, 2025 08:47 am CST

A 65-year-old Venezuelan doctor, Marggie Orozco, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for criticizing President Maduro's government in a WhatsApp message. Arrested during post-election turmoil in August 2024, she faces charges of treason, incitement to hatred, and conspiracy. Human rights groups report she has suffered two heart attacks while detained, highlighting Venezuela's ongoing crackdown on political dissent with nearly 900 political prisoners currently held in the country.