By Ben Tavener
SAO PAULO
Jailed Venezuelan opposition leaders are continuing a hunger strike to pressure the government to release fellow political prisoners and fix a date for parliamentary elections, family members reported Wednesday.
Leader of opposition party Voluntad Popular (Popular Will), Leopoldo López has been on a partial hunger strike for the last 10 days, while Daniel Ceballos, former mayor of San Cristóbal, has been surviving on a similar diet of water and nutrient supplements for 12 days.
López, formerly mayor of Chacao district -- an opposition stronghold in the capital, Caracas, has lost six kilograms (13 pounds), according to this mother, Antonieta Mendoza, who told the NTN24 website that the opposition leader remained "strong" and "lucid".
However, Ceballos is reportedly faring less well. His wife posted two pictures on social media Wednesday afternoon juxtaposed to underline how his almost two-week hunger strike had led to significant health problems.
"He has lost 10 kg (22 lbs) in weight; he now weighs 67 kg (148 pounds). His back hurts around his right kidney; he has constant dizziness, headaches and weak spells; he sometimes can't feel his hands, feet or lips," Patricia de Ceballos said on her Instagram feed.
She also described his "inhumane" cell, fitted with a concrete bed and very basic toilet facilities. "When it rains, everything gets soaked and his entire body is bitten by mosquitoes."
"My husband's state of health is the responsibility of the President (Nicolás Maduro), People's Ombudsman Tarek William Saab, Attorney General Luisa Ortega Díaz (and) minister Iris Varela. They should free him!" Ceballos's wife added.
Ceballos had been incarcerated with López in the Ramo Verde military prison, 25 kilometers (15 miles) outside the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, but was transferred to a civilian prison in Guárico state on May 23.
Both opposition figures were arrested last year for anti-government protests that were seen in numerous cities across the country, including Caracas. More than 40 people died in the ensuing violence between protesters and police -- from both sides of the political divide.
Antonio Ledezma, former metropolitan mayor of Caracas and another prominent opposition figure, was also arrested and put in jail this year, over accusations brought by the authorities that he was plotting jointly with the U.S. to overthrow the Maduro government.
Rallies called last Saturday by López via a video leaked from his jail cell brought thousands of supporters onto the streets demanding the opposition figures' release.
