The district attorney of Venezuela has declared warrants for the detainment of the campaign manager for presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado and eight other staff members, alleging their participation in a violent plot against the government.
The campaign leader, Magalli Meda, and others have been charged by the attorney general, Tarek William Saab, for their involvement in a “destabilizing” scheme which involved protests, a media strategy, and intent to attack military bases. This announcement was made during a live broadcasted press conference on Wednesday.
Saab stated that two employees had been apprehended on Wednesday, one of whom was Meda.
An individual who knows Hernández confirmed that she was the woman shown in a video that is circulating on social media in Venezuela. In the video, she can be heard yelling “Help! Help, please! No!” as three or more uniformed officers attempt to force her into the back of an SUV. The person requested to remain anonymous out of fear of consequences.
Saab stated that the warrants were a result of a purported admission from a different staff member of Machado, Emill Brandt, who was arrested earlier this month. Brandt’s lawyer, Omar Mora, informed the Associated Press that Brandt has been denied the ability to choose his own legal representation.
The declaration was made several hours following a team of specialists, who were looking into instances of human rights abuses in Venezuela, reported to the United Nations Human Rights Council that President Nicolás Maduro’s administration has intensified its suppression of those who oppose him, whether the opposition is actual or perceived. This increase in suppression tactics is occurring right before this year’s presidential election.
“The group leader Marta Valiñas informed the council that the investigative mission has verified the recurring use of legitimate or fabricated plots by the government to intimidate, detain, and press charges against individuals who express dissent or critique towards the government. The council has granted authorization for the investigative mission.”
Valiñas stated in Geneva that while the attorney general’s office operates under the guise of legality, it is actually functioning as a tool for the government’s repressive agenda to silence dissenting voices.
In the previous year, Machado was the clear victor in a primary election organized by a rival group. However, in January, the supreme court of justice upheld a decision that prevents the former legislator from holding any governmental position for 15 years.
In spite of pressure from within Venezuela and abroad to drop out of the race, Machado has persisted with her campaign.
Machado condemned the arrests. “These cowardly actions aim to close Venezuela’s path towards change and freedom in peace and democracy,” she wrote on Twitter. “Venezuelans, I ask you for strength and courage in these difficult times. Today, more than ever, we need to be united and firm to continue moving towards our goals.”
The election will take place on the 28th of July. The period for candidates to register is from March 21st to March 25th.
Source: theguardian.com
