University students submitted Wednesday a notice to the Ombudsman, asking for the release of 182 detainees during the protests staged over the past few days and to ensure the right to peaceful protest, in accordance with articles 60 and 68 of the National Constitution.

The communiqué included a request to defend civil rights, democracy and the rights of all Venezuelans, particularly the students, said John Goicoechea, a student of Andrés Bello Catholic University (UCAB).

The delegation that handed over the notice was led by UCAB student Rodrigo Diamante.

They were met at the Ombudsman's Office by attorney Reina Morandi, for the Metropolitan Area.

"We came to tell the Ombudsman that we have 182 students imprisoned just for saying that we want freedom of expression; that we have 182 students who went to the streets just to say that they seek democracy in Venezuela," Goicoechea told reporters after delivering the document.

"There is no attempt at overthrowing any government, but fighting for Venezuela. We want to clarify that whenever the government or any public authority or any private agency endangers the interests of this, our homeland, we, the students, will speak up for civil rights."