Venezuela: EPP Group calls for immediate release of Antonio Ledezma

17.02.2016 10:55

Venezuela: EPP Group calls for immediate release of Antonio Ledezma

Two years after the demonstrations that took place in Venezuela more than 1700 protesters await trial and more than 70 remain jailed. At least 40 people were killed in the protests, with noone as yet held accountable for their murders. 

Politicians like Leopoldo Lopez, Antonio Ledezma, Daniel Ceballos, students and other opposition leaders remain arbitrarily detained or under house arrest, on the basis of unfounded accusations and for exercising their right to freedom of expression and their fundamental rights. This has been stated by several UN bodies and international organisations.

This week marks two years of imprisonment for Leopoldo Lopez and one year since Antonio Ledezma's arrest, so it is urgent that their situations are resolved as soon as possible Esteban Gonzálz Pons

EPP Group Vice-Chairman, Esteban González Pons, has called for an "end to the farce of a trial the former mayor of Caracas, Antonio Ledezma, is suffering and to release him immediately."

González Pons considers that the request by Venezuelan prosecutors for Ledezma to be sentenced to 16 years in prison for alleged crimes of conspiracy and criminal association "has clear political motives."

The Venezuelan people want a new era of change in which human rights are fully respected

"This week marks two years of imprisonment for Leopoldo Lopez and one year since Antonio Ledezma's arrest, so it is urgent that their situations are resolved as soon as possible, together with the other political prisoners in Venezuela," he said.

"The last elections, held on December 6, were evidence that the Venezuelan people want a new era of change in which human rights are fully respected. This must begin by releasing all political prisoners," González Pons stated.

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