The capture of a Venezuelan matey, a fine human rights heartie and barrister, be causin' quite a ruckus!
2024-02-14
Avast ye scallywags! The nabbing of gallant attorney and troublemaker Rocío San Miguel be a clear sign that the Venezuelan government be up to no good! They be takin' action against all those who dare cross 'em, whether real or imagined. Be warned, me hearties!
Human rights organizations in Venezuela are demanding the release of attorney and activist Rocío San Miguel, who was detained last week. Concerns are growing over the government's use of repression against its adversaries. Representatives of several rights groups expressed worry about San Miguel's well-being and condemned her lack of access to legal representation of her choice. Claudia Carrillo of the organization Cofavic described the isolation and lack of communication as cruel and inhumane treatment. San Miguel was arrested at the airport while waiting for a flight to Miami. The Attorney General accused her of being involved in a plot to kill President Nicolás Maduro and attack military units. San Miguel specializes in researching Venezuela's armed forces and heads the NGO Control Ciudadano. Her daughter, ex-husband, two brothers, and former partner were also taken into custody. Authorities have not confirmed the detention of her daughter, but her sister claims they were released with certain conditions. San Miguel and her former partner had initial hearings and face serious charges. More than 200 local NGOs have demanded their release and called on the international community to condemn the actions against them. San Miguel's detention is seen as an attempt to intimidate and generate polarization. A U.N.-backed panel investigating human rights violations in Venezuela has reported intensified efforts by the government to curtail democratic freedoms. San Miguel's arrest comes after the U.S. government eased economic sanctions against Venezuela in exchange for commitments from Maduro, which have not been fully met. The Biden administration, the UN, and Canada have condemned the detentions and urged Maduro to fulfill his promises.