International Support
2014
February 19
CATHERINE ASHTON
GUADALUPE MARENGO
Deputy Director of the Americas Program of Amnesty International (AI)
In a press release, he urged “Venezuelan authorities to present solid evidence to prove the charges against López, or to release him immediately and unconditionally”
February 20
THE FRIENDS OF THE INTER-AMERICAN DEMOCRATIC CHARTER
They issued a press release signed by ex-presidents, ex-prime ministers, ex-cabinet members committed to human rights by which they condemned the arbitrary detention of several political leaders, among them Leopoldo López.
February 21
THE OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH
COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
In a statement, he expressed his concern about the arrest of Leopoldo López.
JOSÉ MIGUEL VIVANCO
Director para las Américas de Human Rights Wacth
He noted that: “The Venezuelan government has openly adopted the usual tactics of authoritarian regimes, and has imprisoned opponents, censored the media and intimidated civil society. The Maduro government has singled out opposition leaders as responsible for the violence. Leopoldo López, one of the most prominent opposition figures, was arrested on February 18, 2014.
February 27
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Issued a resolution, in which it recalls that: “respect for the principle of separation of powers is fundamental in a democratic regime, and that the judicial system cannot be used by the authorities as a means of political persecution and repression of the democratic opposition; it calls on the Venezuelan authorities to withdraw unfounded accusations and arrest warrants against opposition leaders”.
March 4
OSCAR ARIAS SÁNCHEZ, FERNANDO HENRIQUE CARDOSO, RICARDO LAGOS AND ALEJANDRO TOLEDO
Former presidents of Costa Rica, Brazil, Chile and Peru.
They requested in a joint statement that ” an immediate end be put to the persecution of students and opposition leaders, including the release of Mr. Leopoldo López and all those detained or persecuted for political reasons.
March 10
MEMBERS OF THE CLUB OF MADRID
By means of a press release they expressed that they reiterate and subscribe to the declaration issued by the former presidents of Costa Rica, Brazil, Chile and Peru on the liberation of Leopoldo López.
FORUM 2000 FOUNDATION
It issued a press release through which they considered “the arrest of López is arbitrary and a violation of his civil and political rights. We reiterate our firm conviction that such rights and guarantees must not be trampled upon and we urge the Venezuelan authorities to abide by international law and to safeguard Mr. López’ civil and political rights.
March 18
Thirty Venezuelan and Colombian intellectuals made a public statement in favor of the release of political prisoners.
JOSÉ MIGUEL VIVANCO
Director for the Americas, Human Rights Watch
On the occasion of the presentation of Leopoldo López’ case before the UN Human Rights Council, he stated that “one of the most prominent leaders of the opposition is currently detained in a military prison, waiting for a provisional judge to decide whether he will be put on trial, without any valid evidence having been presented against him so far.
March 23
JUAN LOZANO
Colombian Senator
President of the Partido de la U, issued a statement in solidarity with the political leader, Leopoldo López.
July 21
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
It expressed in a statement “concern for the trial of opposition leader Leopoldo López for the independence of the judicial system (…), and urged the Public Ministry to demonstrate beyond all reasonable doubt that the detention and trial of Leopoldo López are not politically motivated and to release him without delay unless the criminal charges against him are plausibly justified.
July 24
DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (D-FL) E ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN (R-FL)
Congressmen of the United States of America
They declared in reference to the judicial process being followed against Leopoldo López that “yesterday’s mock trial is indicative of Venezuela’s corrupt judicial system, which is used to silence freedom-loving people who seek justice.
August 6
MARIO VARGAS LLOSA
He requested, along with Fernando Savater, Enrique Krauze, Rafael Cadenas, Moisés Naím, and 17 other intellectuals “the immediate release of Leopoldo López.”
August 22
JOSÉ ANTONIO KAST
and 63 members of the Chilean Parliament
They addressed a communication to President Bachelet stating that “The situation of Leopoldo López, other political leaders and university students who have been detained cannot go unnoticed for one more minute in the eyes of the international community.
August 26
UN WORKING GROUP ON ARBITRARY DETENTION
“They issued an opinion in which they indicated that: “The detention of Mr. Leopoldo López constitutes arbitrary detention according to Categories II and III of their Methods of Work. Therefore, it recommends that the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela arrange for the immediate release of Mr. Leopoldo López, and that he be granted full reparation, including indemnification of a compensatory and moral nature, as well as measures of satisfaction such as a public declaration of redress in his favor”.
August 30
JOSÉ ANTONIO KAST
and 80 personalities from Chile
They presented a document before the UN Human Rights Committee in which they mention the case of the National Coordinator of Voluntad Popular Leopoldo López.
September 23
BARACK OBAMA
The President of the United States of America
During his speech at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York, he spoke about the arbitrary detention of Leopoldo López, pointing out that “From Russia to China and Venezuela, we are seeing relentless repression, vilifying dissidents to legitimize them as subversive… In Venezuela, Leopoldo López (…) And so many others. They deserve to be free. They must be freed.”
September 23
CORNELIA SCMIDT (UNIÓN PRO)
Argentinian Congresswoman
She stated that she regrets that “(…) our President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner has not taken advantage of her platform before the UN, to ask for the liberation of Leopoldo López and to condemn the deaths that occurred in Venezuela”.
October 16
ENRIQUE KRAUZE
Upon receiving the V Faes Prize for Freedom in Madrid, he asked for the immediate freedom of the Venezuelan opposition leader, Leopoldo López, and sent his solidarity to the young Venezuelans: “I think of the young people of Venezuela. They know the meaning of freedom, because freedom is only known when it is lacking, and I ask myself, who listens to them? Well, I want to send a special greeting to those young Venezuelans and I want to ask today for the immediate freedom of Leopoldo López. Leopoldo López must be free!
October 20
UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Mr. Zeid Ra ́ad Al Hussein urged the Venezuelan authorities in a statement (…) “to act in accordance with the views of the Working Group and to immediately release Mr. López and Mr. Ceballos, and all those detained for exercising their legitimate right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
It expressed its support for the request made by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, that the Venezuelan government release opposition leader Leopoldo López.
October 22
MARIANO RAJOY
President of the Spanish Government
During his meeting with Lilian Tintori, wife of Leopoldo López, he expressed his “concern about the trial of Leopoldo López, as well as the need to respect freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate.
November 4
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
It made public a statement, indicating that: “Leopoldo López, leader of the Venezuelan opposition party Voluntad Popular must be released immediately in compliance with the recommendation of August 2014 of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (…) Amnesty International urges the Government of Venezuela to abide by the recommendation of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and release Leopoldo López immediately.”
November 6
THE IBERO-AMERICAN FORUM
Through a press release signed by former presidents Felipe González (Spain), Fernando Henrique Cardoso (Brazil), Ricardo Lagos (Chile), Julio María Sanguinetti (Uruguay), and Belisario Betancourt (Colombia), as well as by personalities, intellectuals, and businessmen who participated in the meeting, they expressed their support for the resolution of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and requested the immediate release of Leopoldo López, Daniel Ceballos, and other arbitrarily detained political prisoners.
November 25
MADRID CLUB
In a joint declaration by democratic former heads of state and government from different countries around the world, they asked the government of Nicolás Maduro to free Leopoldo López and other political prisoners.
VÍCTOR YÚSCHENKO
Former President of Ukraine
By means of a communication sent to the Ramo Verde military prison, he expressed his support and admiration for Leopoldo López for his courage and for being committed to democratic changes in Venezuela, since “the world knows very well who you are, Mr. López, and it is clear that there are no prisons with walls thick enough to dominate your spirit or silence your powerful voice.
November 26
JOHN BAIRD
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada
He asked the Venezuelan government to respect the United Nations resolution that urges the immediate release of Leopoldo López, while advocating the release of the other political prisoners.
November 28
UN COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE
It joined the request for the immediate release of Leopoldo López, Daniel Ceballos, as well as those who have been arbitrarily detained for exercising their right to express themselves and protest peacefully.
December 18
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
It issued a new resolution “on the persecution of the democratic opposition in Venezuela” wherein it urged the Venezuelan State to respect the recommendation of the UN in favor of Leopoldo López, as well as to proceed to his immediate release
December 22
FEDERICA MOGHERINI
Head of European Union (EU) diplomacy
He expressed his “deep concern for the continuous persecution and arbitrary detention of opposition leaders and students in Venezuela, especially for the case of Leopoldo López” and added “we are closely monitoring these cases, that of Leopoldo López and that of four students charged at the same time.”
2015
January 1
JOSEPH BIDEN
Vice President of the United States of America
He urged the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, to free the political prisoners during a brief meeting in Brasilia.
January 26
FORMER LATIN AMERICAN PRESIDENTS
Andres Pastrana (Colombia), Sebastian Piñera (Chile) and Felipe Calderon (Mexico) were in Venezuela to participate in today’s Citizen Power and Democracy forum. As part of the conference, the three former presidents asked President Nicolas Maduro to release Leopoldo López.
January 29
FORMER MINISTERS OF THE CHILEAN CONCERTATION
They requested through a letter sent to the Venezuelan ambassador in Chile, Arevalo Mendez, the immediate release of Leopoldo Lopez and other political prisoners.
February 9
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Through a pronouncement by the Secretary General of the organization, Salil Shetty, they requested the liberation of Leopoldo López and other Venezuelan political prisoners.
February 18
POPULAR PARTY OF SPAIN AND THE SPANISH SOCIALIST WORKERS PARTY (PSOE)
They requested the liberation of Leopoldo López, on the occasion of the first anniversary of his arbitrary detention.
JOSÉ MARÍA AZNAR
Former President of the Spanish Government and President of the FAES Foundation
He requested “in a very clear and decisive manner” the “immediate liberation” of Leopoldo López, this on the occasion of the first anniversary of López’s detention, which Aznar described as “unjustified and arbitrary.
February 20
BILL CLINTON
Former President of the United States of America
He requested through his Twitter account the immediate release of Leopoldo López and other Venezuelan political prisoners, indicating that: “Leopoldo López and the political prisoners in Venezuela must be released without delay.
JUAN MANUEL SANTOS
President of Colombia
“We are, of course, concerned about the latest developments. We have expressed – in private and in public – our desire that the rights of our opponents be respected. We have even asked for the freedom of Leopoldo López (…)”.
February 24
JOHN KERRY
U.S. Secretary of State
He asked the Venezuelan government to release all “political prisoners”. Kerry stated “We call on the Government of Venezuela to release the political prisoners, including dozens of students, as well as (opposition leader) Leopoldo López, (and the mayors) Daniel Ceballos and Vicencio Scarano.
CONGRESS OF COSTA RICA
It approved a motion to advocate for the release of “political prisoners” in Venezuela. In said motion, the deputies manifested “the rejection of the existence of political prisoners in Venezuela and to call for the prompt release of (the opposition) Antonio Ledezma (the mayor of Caracas), Leopoldo López and all those Venezuelan citizens who are in the prisons of that country deprived of their freedom for expressing opinions contrary to the government”.
INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS (IACHR)
It expressed, through a press release, its deep concern for the situation of the rule of law in Venezuela, in response to the violent searches suffered by Leopoldo López and Daniel Ceballos. In this sense, the IACHR urges the State to “free these persons while they are being processed”.
CHILEAN PARLIAMENTARIANS FROM DIFFERENT PARTIES
They met with Foreign Minister Heraldo Muñoz to request that President Bachelet demand the immediate release of Metropolitan Mayor Antonio Ledezma and opposition leader Leopoldo López from the government of Nicolás Maduro.
February 25
MADRID CLUB
They reiterated that “(…) the exercise of fundamental rights such as those of expression, association and demonstration are being violated in Venezuela,” and cited as an example the “prolonged imprisonment” of opposition leader Leopoldo López.
March 2
OLLANTA HUMALA
President of Peru
He stated that he “regrets” the detention of opponents in Venezuela. He also added that Peru maintains contact with countries such as Brazil and Colombia to help Venezuelans overcome the crisis, which includes the imprisonment of opposition leaders Leopoldo López and Antonio Ledezma.
March 4
COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE CZECH PARLIAMENT
By means of a resolution issued by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lower House of the Czech Parliament, the deputies asked “the members of the National Assembly of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to exert pressure to achieve the release of the political prisoners, among them dozens of students, as well as the opposition leader Leopoldo López and the mayor of Caracas, Antonio Ledezma, detained without credible evidence”.
March 6
THE UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein, stated before the Human Rights Council of that organization that “I am especially concerned about the continued detention of opposition leaders and protesters, often for long periods,” in reference to the metropolitan mayor of Caracas, Antonio Ledezma, and Leopoldo López.
March 9
DEPUTIES FROM NICARAGUA, EL SALVADOR AND GUATEMALA
They issued a proclamation through which they urged the Venezuelan government to “immediately” release the opposition leader Leopoldo López, the Metropolitan Mayor Antonio Ledezma and all political prisoners imprisoned in the government of Nicolás Maduro.
March 12
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
It approved a resolution demanding the release of political prisoners -Antonio Ledezma, Leopoldo López and Daniel Ceballos- and peaceful demonstrators in Venezuela. The decision was supported by the group of popular, socialist, reformist and liberal parties that have shown their “concern” for the situation of political and social repression in Venezuela.
March 27
CHRISTIAN GRIABAUDO
Argentinean Congressman
He stated: “Antonio Ledezma and Leopoldo López lost their freedom because they thought differently from the Maduro government. Their bodies are imprisoned, but not their spirits. That’s why we have to continue defending freedom, so that this doesn’t continue to happen in Venezuela, nor in Argentina, nor in the rest of Latin America”.
March 30
FERNANDO RODRÍGUEZ DOVAL
Mexican Congressman
He informed that the National Action Party (PAN) is in solidarity with the demands for the release of Leopoldo López and Antonio Ledezma.
April 9
26 FORMER STATE PRESIDENTS
Within the framework of the Summit of the Americas, 26 former presidents of state and government signed the Declaration of Panama through which they demanded the immediate release of Leopoldo López, Antonio Ledezma, Daniel Ceballos and all political prisoners.
April 14
THE CONGRESS OF DEPUTIES OF SPAIN
He approved an initiative that calls for the “immediate release” of Venezuelan opponents “arbitrarily imprisoned”. The proposal, not a law, agreed upon by the PP and the PSOE, asks the Rajoy government to defend before the international community and before the Nicolás Maduro Executive the release of Leopoldo López, Antonio Ledezma and Daniel Ceballos, as well as “the other opponents, demonstrators and students” in prison.
CHILEAN SENATE
It approved a draft agreement that condemns the violation of human rights in Venezuela and calls for the release of political prisoners. The agreement establishes that Minister of Foreign Affairs Heraldo Muñoz will be officiated, so that he “requests the freedom of all political prisoners in Venezuela, all those who, because they are democratic representatives or because they think differently, have been deprived of their freedom. In Leopoldo López and Antonio Ledezma we symbolize this demand for freedom”.
DILMA ROUSSEFF
President of Brazil
She expressed, in an interview with CNN, her desire that the Venezuelan government release the opposition prisoners.
LUIS GUILLERMO SOLIS
President of Costa Rica
In Panama, he stated that “those who are imprisoned for political crimes or related political offences must have guarantees for the processing of such charges, must be informed of them, and must do so in freedom, which is what is appropriate, with respect for due process. He added that his interest is not to interfere in Venezuela’s internal decisions, but, in his opinion, this is the path that should be followed with political prisoners, among whom are the Mayor of Caracas, Antonio Ledezma, and Leopoldo López, an opponent of Nicolás Maduro’s government.
SENATE OF COLOMBIA
Demanded the release of all political prisoners in Venezuela.
April 20
THE 28 FOREIGN MINISTERS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
They held a debate dedicated to relations with Latin America in which they advocated closer political and economic ties with the region, as well as “seeking the release of political prisoners.
INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS (CID)
It issued precautionary measures in favor of Leopoldo López, considering that Leopoldo López’s life and personal integrity would be at risk. In this regard, the IACHR requested that the State of Venezuela adopt the necessary measures to “preserve the life and personal integrity of Leopoldo López and Daniel Ceballos, to ensure that the conditions of detention of the beneficiaries are in accordance with international standards, and to agree upon the measures to be adopted with the beneficiaries and their representatives.
April 30
MADRID CLUB
In a statement, it demanded the release of all persons imprisoned for alleged crimes of opinion and of those opposition political leaders who, because of their status, continue to be deprived of their freedom. The communiqué points out that “much to our regret and with all due respect, we note that their situation has not changed, so we are forced to reiterate that all those who, like Antonio Ledezma, Leopoldo López, Daniel Ceballos and others, are still in prison or under arrest be released.
May 6
BRAZIL SENATE
It approved a motion of censure against the government of Nicolás Maduro for imprisoning opposition leader Leopoldo López, Caracas Metropolitan Mayor Antonio Ledezma, former San Cristóbal Mayor Daniel Ceballos and other Venezuelan political prisoners.
May 7
DILMA ROUSSEFF
President of Brazil
She addressed a letter to the wives of Leopoldo López and Antonio Ledezma in which she “thanks their initiatives” and said that Brazil is “tirelessly seeking a solution to the crisis” in her country. Likewise, she expresses the communication that “President Dilma Rousseff wishes a prompt and happy solution”. The letter is signed by the head of the personal cabinet of the head of state of Brazil, Alvaro Henrique Baggio.
May 14
CÉSAR GAVIRIA
Former Colombian President and OAS Secretary General
He stated that “the detention of opposition leaders and holding them criminally responsible for the consequences of the student proposals and protests does not contribute in any way to finding institutional and democratic solutions prescribed in the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
May 15
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) Board of Directors
It granted the 2015 Democracy Award to Leopoldo López, in recognition of his perseverance and sacrifice in favor of the rescue and defense of democracy and freedom in Venezuela.
May 19
Women who form the Union of Latin American Parties (UPLA)
In a statement, they demanded respect for the human rights of those who disagree with the government of Nicolás Maduro. They also asked for a cessation of the persecution of opposition leaders such as Antonio Ledezma, Leopoldo López, Daniel Ceballos, María Corina Machado and a large number of students who have raised their voices in protest.
May 28
MADRID CLUB
It ratifies its request for the immediate release of the political prisoners in Venezuela. In this sense, the communiqué expresses: “(…) the Club of Madrid once again demands the immediate release of all political prisoners, of whatever persuasion, and of course of Leopoldo López, Antonio Ledezma and Daniel Ceballos, whose situation in prison makes one seriously fear for their health and physical integrity. Our concern for all of them is such that we demand the immediate presence and assistance of the Chancellors of UNASUR, of the competent agencies of the United Nations and of the International Red Cross.”
May 29
INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS (CID)
Through a press release on Cautionary Measure 335/14, it requested the State of Venezuela to adopt the necessary measures to preserve the life and personal integrity of Leopoldo López and to ensure that the conditions of detention are in line with international standards.
June 2
JOSÉ MARÍA AZNAR
Former Spanish president
Former Spanish president and another 26 former heads of State and Government of Ibero-American countries signed the Declaration of Caracas. In the statement, the former leaders “warn of the unstoppable deterioration of democratic guarantees and human rights in Venezuela, after the former presidents of Colombia, Andrés Pastrana, and Bolivia, Jorge Quiroga, traveled to the Venezuelan capital with the purpose of checking the conditions in which the prisoners of the democratic opposition find themselves, and they were denied the visit to the incarcerated Leopoldo López and Daniel Ceballos.”
June 4
PATRICIA BULLRICH, CORNELIA SCHMIDT LIERMANN, ROBERTO PRADINES, CHRISTIAN GRIBAUDO, LAURA ALONSO, SERGIO BERGMAN, CARLOS BROWN AND GUILLERMO DURAND CORNEJO
National deputies of Argentina
On that date, they sent a letter to Pope Francis asking him to “intercede for the release of the political prisoners.
June 5
JOSÉ MIGUEL VIVANCO
Director for the Americas, Human Rights Watch
He sent a letter to Pope Francis in which he expressed that HRW “is concerned about the arbitrary imprisonment of political opponents and the lack of judicial independence in Venezuela.” He also stated that “the Maduro government must provide for the immediate and unconditional release of all political opponents and others who are being arbitrarily criminally prosecuted” and especially mentioned that “Ceballos like Lopez are currently on hunger strikes that could seriously damage their health.”
June 11
DESMOND TUTU
Human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner
In a press article entitled Free the Venezuelan Prisoners of Conscience he stated that “The prisoners of conscience in Venezuela are represented in the opposition leaders Leopoldo López and Daniel Ceballos. Both men are in jail for their role in the February 2014 non-violent protests. López and Ceballos advocate for non-violent and peaceful protest in the face of injustice and impunity”. He also urged the “Venezuelan government to allow access to the Red Cross, their personal doctors and family to visit them.”
STÉPHANE DUJARRIC
Spokesman for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
She manifested her concern for the “legality and conditions” of those considered political prisoners in Venezuela. “The High Commissioner expressed serious concern about the legality and conditions of those who have been detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly”.
June 12
Leopoldo López was awarded the Libertad Cortes de Cádiz Prize in Spain for “the commitment and sacrifice demonstrated in defense of freedoms in his country.
June 15
THE UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein, in his opening address to a session of the Human Rights Council, said that “I am seriously concerned about the legality and conditions of persons detained for peacefully exercising their freedom of expression and assembly. He mentioned that some “have been on hunger strike for weeks, which increases our concern” and concluded that “they must be released quickly and unconditionally”.
June 25
EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY (PPE)
In a statement, it denounced the political persecution in Venezuela and asked for “the release of the political leaders who are imprisoned”.
July 5
ANDRÉS PASTRANA
Former President of Colombia
In his capacity as president of the Centrist Democrat International, he expressed “solidarity with the persecuted and political prisoners, and in particular with the metropolitan mayor Antonio Ledezma, Leopoldo López, Daniel Ceballos and the students, demanding their immediate release and constitutional rights.”
July 6
ALEJANDRO TOLEDO Y JORGE QUIROGA
In the framework of the forum “Democracy has no borders, Venezuela is not alone” held in the city of Miami, former presidents Alejandro Toledo, of Peru, and Jorge Quiroga, of Bolivia, demanded that the Government of Venezuela ” release political prisoners.”
September 10
ANDRÉS PASTRANA
Former President of Colombia
After hearing the sentence of Leopoldo López he says, “Today a great democrat from Latin America has been unjustly sentenced. All of our solidarity is with Lilian Tintori and Antonieta Mendoza de López “
September 11
FELIPE GONZÁLEZ
Former President of Spain
After hearing Leopoldo’s sentence, he says that “Venezuela has become a de facto dictatorship. The President decides for Parliament and for justice…. Leopoldo has been condemned by Nicolás Maduro, like all the other political prisoners in Venezuela ”.
VARIOUS FORMER PRESIDENTS OF DEMOCRACIES AROUND THE WORLD
“The hope of freedom for Leopoldo López means little time left for the tyranny of Venezuela”, Alvaro Uribe, former president of Colombia.
“All democrats must fight for the freedom of Leopoldo López”, Sebastian Piñera, former President of Chile.
“Outrage from all the democrats of the world for the condemnation of Leopoldo López. Can you keep quiet? ”Felipe Calderón, former president of Mexico.
“It is not acceptable that solely due to political persecution there are convicted citizens in Venezuela. Those of us who defend freedom, democracy and human rights will not abandon this cause and will continue to demand the release of Leopoldo López ”, José María Aznar, former president of Spain.
ALEJANDRO TOLEDO
Former president of Peru
He sympathizes with Leopoldo López and expresses that “his spurious sentence stains democracy in Latin America.”
JOHN KERRY
Secretary of State of the United States
After learning of Leopoldo’s conviction, he says, “The United States expresses great concern over the conviction and sentence of the opposition leader Leopoldo López. The decision of the [Venezuela] court raises great concern about the political nature of the judicial process and the verdict, and the use of the Venezuelan judicial system to repress and punish critics of the government. “
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
“Leopoldo López is a prisoner of conscience who has been unjustly sentenced for his ideals and for the way in which he exercised his political rights,” Amnesty International (AI) said today.
“We have found numerous flaws in due process throughout the trial,” Carolina Jiménez, Deputy Director of Investigation for Amnesty International’s office for the Americas.
According to Jiménez, the sentence imposed on López is “obviously disproportionate, it is not based on evidence and shows a serious lack of judicial independence in Venezuela, a fundamental principle in any democratic space that is also necessary to guarantee the enjoyment of human rights. ”.
“Amnesty International will continue to campaign for the release of Leopoldo López and all those political prisoners who are currently unjustly living in a situation of complete or conditional deprivation of liberty,” she declared.
September 14
EDUARDO FREI RUIZ-TAGLE Y RICARDO LAGOS
Former presidents of Chile
They reject the conviction of Leopoldo López and the four students and demand their immediate freedom for all.
September 15
GOVERNMENT OF PERU
Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “In relation to the sentence of Leopoldo López and four other Venezuelan citizens, the Government of Peru wishes to express its concern about the situation of internal polarization that affects the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. … [Peru] makes a call for dialogue to prevail, urging the different political forces to maintain peace and tranquility at the present time”
December 1
MARIANO RAJOY; DAVID CAMERON; THORBJORN JAGLAND; FELIPE GONZÁLEZ; RICARDO LAGOS
The president of Spain, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, the former President of Spain, the former President of Chile
They call on the Venezuelan justice to release “immediately Leopoldo López and all jailed political opponents”
December 2
HORACIO CARTES
The president of Paraguay
After meeting with Lilian Tintori, he demanded the release of Leopoldo López and all the political prisoners in Venezuela
December 17
MANUEL VALLS
Prime Minister of France
Through the social network twitter, he expresses: “Liberation for Leopoldo Lopez now !!”
December 21
MAURICIO MACRI
President of Argentina
He expressed at the MERCOSUR summit “I want to expressly request … for the prompt release of political prisoners in Venezuela.” – President of Argentina, Mauricio Macri
2016
February 18
ÓSCAR ARIAS
Former President of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
He states that “On the freedom of political prisoners, on the freedom of Leopoldo López, it depends on whether Venezuela can once again be recognized as a democracy that respects human rights.”
LECH WALESA
Former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
When Leopoldo reached 2 years of unjust imprisonment, the former president of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Lech Walesa said that “[The imprisonment of political prisoners,] is an act of injustice that calls into question the justice of our society and our country. Don’t put people in jail, get to work … our wisdom depends on being united ”
April 4
LUIS ALMAGRO
Secretary General of the OAS
Within the context of the approval of the Amnesty Law in Venezuela; the Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro says that “the release of political prisoners in Venezuela is absolutely necessary, essential, and urgent.”
April 12
Congress of Deputies of Spain
They show their support for the Amnesty Law in Venezuela and points out “More than one hundred Venezuelan political prisoners must be released…. Among them, the leader of Voluntad Popular, Leopoldo López, who was sentenced to thirteen years and nine months in prison in a sham trial. “
August 13
JOSÉ MANUEL GARCÍA-MARGALLO
Spanish Foreign Minister
After hearing the judgment of the Court of Appeals, he says. “The ruling, confirming the situation of military pressure of Leopoldo López by statements that are part of normal democratic use, casts serious doubts on the operation of the rule of law in Venezuela.”
22 de Agosto
LUIS ALMAGRO
Secretary General of the OAS
He dedicates a public letter to Leopoldo López in which, among other things, he rejects the ratification of his unjust sentence. The letter: http://www.oas.org/fpdb/press/osg-441.pdf
November 14
LUIS ALMAGRO
Secretary General of the OAS
Sent an open letter to Leopoldo López after having served 1000 days in prison unjustly; in which he again requests his immediate release. “Leopoldo López embodies the example of someone who has chosen not to take care only of himself, but to put the freedom of his country before his own. (…) It is time to free Leopoldo now. “
JOSÉ MIGUEL VIVANCO
Director for the Americas of Human Rights Watch
He describes Leopoldo López as “Maduro’s hostage for 1000 days”. In addition, he again denounces all the irregularities, abuses and violation of due process in the case of Leopoldo.
SAMANTHA POWER
US Ambassador to the UN
After Leopoldo served 1000 days unjustly imprisoned, she requests his immediate release.
October 20
PEDRO PABLO KUCZYNSKI
President of Peru
Demands from the Maduro regime the release of Leopoldo López and all political prisoners due to considering them innocent
December 10
SENATE OF CHILE
Asks the government of Venezuela for the release of Leopoldo López and all political prisoners in Venezuela
2017
February 15
DONALD TRUMP
President of the United States
After meeting with Lilian Tintori; he demanded the immediate release of Leopoldo López.
February 17
SENATE OF CHILE
They express concern over Venezuela’s failure to comply with the democratic clause of the OAS. They also advocate for the release of political prisoners: Braulio Jatar and Leopoldo López.
February 18
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Through a statement, they reiterated the call made by President Trump for the Maduro government to release Leopoldo López.
February 28
MANUELA CARMENA
Mayor of Madrid
She demanded the release of Leopoldo López and the political prisoners in Venezuela
March 1
BERT KOENDERS
Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
He expressed that the Netherlands remains very vigilant over the situation in Venezuela.
March 2
UNITED STATES SENATE
They advocate for the activation of the democratic charter in Venezuela and for the release of Leopoldo López and all the political prisoners.
March 8
RICK SCOTT
Governor of the United States state of Florida
He urged the Venezuelan government to immediately release Leopoldo López
May 11
MICHELL TEMER
President of Brazil
He expressed Brazil’s firm position in support of democracy and human rights in Venezuela and insisted on the need for the release of the “political prisoners” that exist in that country, among whom he cited Leopoldo López.
May 16
JUSTIN TRUDEAU
Prime Minister of Canada
In a meeting he held with Lilian Tintori, he expressed his concern for the serious situation in Venezuela and expressed his solidarity with all Venezuelans who are being victims of the serious humanitarian crisis, with Leopoldo López and all the political prisoners
July 8
MARIANO RAJOY
President of Spain
He celebrated the granting of house arrest for Leopoldo López.
ENRIQUE PEÑA NIETO
President of Mexico
Before Leopoldo’s house-arrest measure, he assured: “Leopoldo López’s transfer to his house is a good sign. We hope that Venezuela will resume the path of peace and democracy. “
President of Peru
PEDRO PABLO KUCZYNSKI
After learning about Leopoldo’s house-arrest measure, he assured: “I am glad that Leopoldo López has been reunited with his family. I hope that he will soon fully recover his freedom and the exercise of his political rights. As well as the other political detainees still in Venezuela. “
MAURICIO MACRI
President of Argentina
Through his Twitter account, he celebrated the house-arrest measure granted to Leopoldo López.
JUAN CARLOS VALERA
President of Panama
He assured that the house-arrest measure granted to Leopoldo López, “is a positive step” and that suspending the Constituency and establishing an electoral schedule would bring peace to Venezuela.
HORACIO CARTES
The president of Paraguay
He celebrated the house-arrest measure granted to Leopoldo López.
HORACIO CARTES
The president of Paraguay
After learning about the house-arrest measure granted to Leopoldo López, he said he was “very pleased by this important step that our brother people of Venezuela are taking.”
JIMMY MORALES
President Guatemala
He reacted to Leopoldo’s house-arrest measure through his Twitter account and said he was happy to see Leopoldo López reunited with his family, but he confirmed that Leopoldo and the other political prisoners in Venezuela “deserve freedom.”
BILL CLINTON
Former President of the United States of America
He reacted to Leopoldo’s house-arrest measure and through his Twitter account and said he was happy to see Leopoldo López reunited with his family, but he confirmed that Leopoldo and the other political prisoners in Venezuela “deserve freedom.”
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
US government
“We reiterate our call for the total restitution of the freedom and political rights of Leopoldo López.”
TAJANI
President of the European Parliament
“Finally Leopoldo López can return to his home and his family. Congratulations to Lilian Tintori “
CHILEAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Government of Chile
The Government of Chile values the house arrest of Leopoldo López and awaits his final release
LUIS VIDEGARAY
Secretary of foreign affairs of Mexico
“We receive with joy the news of the transfer of Leopoldo López to his home, and we reiterate our solidarity and affection for the Venezuelan people.”
ALFONSO DASTIS
Minister of foreign affairs of Spain
“We are pleased to learn that Leopoldo López will sleep next to Lilian Tintori after 3 years in prison. A step towards free elections in Venezuela ”.
MARCO RUBIO
US Senator
“The Maduro regime does not deceive us. Leopoldo López remains imprisoned in his home until all his charges are dropped ”.
ERNESTO SAMPER
Secretary General UNASUR
“Transferring Leopoldo López to his home is a positive gesture. Spaces would be opened for democratic elections in Venezuela ”.
LUIS ALMAGRO
Secretary General of the OAS
“The house arrest of Leopoldo López is only a first step. We demand the release of all political prisoners ”.
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
“Leopoldo López is at home, but not free. International pressure to restore democracy must continue ”.
JOSÉ MIGUEL VIVANCO
Director for the Americas of Human Rights Watch
He said that the measure of house-arrest granted to Leopoldo López, “is a notable capitulation of the Venezuelan government, it is a sign that the massive street protests, together with the pronouncements of Latin American democratic leaders to stop the repression, are having an impact. But make no mistake: Leopoldo Lopez is not free. He is under house arrest and hundreds of other political prisoners remain behind bars. Global leaders must increase pressure to unconditionally release all political prisoners and to reestablish democratic order in Venezuela. “
ERIKA GUEVARA
Director of Amnesty International
“Exchanging one jail for another is not enough, Leopoldo López must be fully released.”
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
After learning of the house-arrest measure, Amnesty International published a statement highlighting: “Seeing Leopoldo López out of prison is good news, but exchanging one jail for another is not enough. Being subject to house arrest means that Leopoldo continues to be deprived of his liberty. “
Director United Nation Watch Geneva. Human rights activist
After Leopoldo’s house-arrest measure, he posted on his Twitter account: “The good: Leopoldo López got out of jail. The bad: Now under house arrest and hundreds of political prisoners are still incarcerated “
ÁLVARO URIBE
Former President Colombia
“Leopoldo López, martyr of democracy, is still in prison, now at home, the other, the tyrant, is still in power and massacres.”
SEBASTIÁN PIÑERA
Former President of Chile
“Finally, after more than 3 years unjustly imprisoned in the Ramo Verde military prison, Leopoldo López is reunited with his wife and family.”
RICARDO LAGOS
Former President of Chile
“The house arrest of Leopoldo López is a sign of real openness and means the beginning of a democratic dialogue and peace” https://twitter.com/RicardoLagos/status/883757382886727682
ANDRÉS PASTRANA
Former President of Colombia
“Joy is relative. Leopoldo López is still a political prisoner of the narco-dictatorship. Maduro, release the more than 400 political prisoners NOW ”. https://twitter.com/andrespastrana_/status/883671493342842880
VICENTE FOX QUESADA
Former President of Mexico
“Strength for Leopoldo López, Lilian Tintori and all of Venezuela. This must end NOW and we are with you ”.
LUCIO GUTIÉRREZ
Former President of Ecuador
“When the water has started to boil, putting out the fire is of no use. Leopoldo López, have strength, a whole nation supports you. ” https://twitter.com/LucioGutierrez3/status/883702529967747073
JORGE QUIROGA
Former President of Bolivia
“Joy: 1200 days later, together at home again. Now: full freedom for ALL prisoners and FREEDOM with Democracy for Venezuela on July 16 ”. https://twitter.com/tutoquiroga/status/883691397563502592
LAURA CHINCH ILLA
Former president of Costa Rica
“I am moved by the reunion of Leopoldo López with his loved ones. But make no mistake. He is NOT free, and neither is Venezuela “
FELIPE CALDERÓN
Former President Mexico
“The release of Leopoldo López, even with limitations, is a step that makes us happy. A hug to him and Lilian Tintori for their perseverance ”. https://twitter.com/felipecalderon/status/883698190217867264
MANUEL VALLS
Former Prime Minister of France
He celebrated the measure house by jail granted to Leopoldo López.
ALBERT RIVERA
President of the Spanish political party Ciudadanos
“Leopoldo is with his family today, but under house arrest. We demand their freedom, and that of all Venezuelan political prisoners ”.
OSCAR IVÁN ZULUAGA
Former candidate for the presidency of Colombia
“I am glad that Leopoldo López is at home with his wife and children. He should never have been in prison. Stay strong Venezuela! ”.
JAVIER CREMADES
International lawyer of Leopoldo López
“Leopoldo’s release from prison strengthens his leadership. It came after a visit to his cell by the Chancellor. No price from Leopoldo ”.
July 14
MICHEL TEMER
President of Brazil
He reaffirmed his country’s support for the full freedom of Leopoldo López and showed his “repudiation of political prisons.”
July 28
MIKE PENCE
Vice President of the United States
He reiterated his support for Leopoldo López. Through a statement, the White House said “On behalf of President (Donald) Trump, the vice president firmly asserted that the United States stands with the Venezuelan people and praised Mr. López for his courage and open defense of Venezuelan democracy.”
August 1
DONALD TRUMP
President of the United States
After the kidnapping of Leopoldo López by the Venezuelan political police, through a statement released by the White House, he assured that Leopoldo López is a political prisoner imprisoned “illegally by the Venezuelan regime” and condemned the actions of the dictatorship of Maduro. “The United States considers Maduro personally responsible for the health and safety of López and other detainees”
European Union
The European Union condemned the kidnapping by the Venezuelan regime of Leopoldo López and Antonio Ledezma, both under house arrest. According to Catherine Ray, a spokeswoman for the European Union, this is a “step in the wrong direction.”
ANTONIO TAJANI
President of the European Parliament
After the kidnapping of Leopoldo López by the SEBIN (Venezuelan political police), through his Twitter account he expressed “I strongly condemn the constant violation of human rights in Venezuela, unjustified arrests” of Leopoldo López and Antonio Ledezma.
August 2
The EU and its Member States
They issued, through the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, a statement in which they urged the “release of all political opponents imprisoned in Venezuela” and expressed concern about their situation, especially about the whereabouts of the opposition leaders Leopoldo López and Antonio Ledezma.
September 30
JORGE FAURIE
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Argentina
He expressed his government’s commitment to the cause of the Venezuelan opposition. He noted that the government of President Macri will continue to promote the normalization of the situation in Venezuela and the release of Leopoldo López and all the political prisoners.
2018
February 16
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Two days after Leopoldo López served 4 years of unjust imprisonment, Amnesty International reiterates his condition as a Prisoner of Conscience and ratifies that “the sentence against him has a clear political motivation, for which he must be immediately and unconditionally released.”
March 2
LUIS ALMAGRO
Secretary General of the OAS
He described the SEBIN invasion of Leopoldo López’s house as “illegal, violating rights, and intimidating.” He also demanded that “his rights, privacy and those of his family be respected.”
April 19
FEDERICA MOGHERINI
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
On behalf of 28 European countries, Federica Mogherini ruled out attending as an observer on May 20 because there was no level playing field; among other things due to the existence of “political prisoners” in Venezuela and “obstacles to limit the participation of political parties and candidates.” This in relation to the “imprisonment of key figures in the opposition such as Leopoldo López.”
July 10
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
We Ratify that Leopoldo López is a Prisoner of Conscience, that the sentence against him has a clear political motivation and that exchanging one prison for another is not enough; therefore “he must be released immediately and unconditionally.”
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