This article originally appeared on GatewayHispanic.com and was republished with permission.
In an act of repression and human rights violation, Leydenth Casanova, director of Fundación Colibrí, along with 53 others, was arbitrarily detained while exercising their right to peaceful protest.
Dr. Casanova reported this on her WhatsApp status moments before her final detention.
Leydenth Casanova, a veterinarian and Venezuela’s representative in Miss Falls International, has been a prominent figure in social work in Venezuela. Through Fundación Colibrí, she has helped thousands obtain medicine in a country where even aspirin is hard to find due to the crisis.
Freddy Superlano, a leader of Voluntad Popular (the party that truly won the elections), has also been kidnapped. Amidst these unjust detentions, it is crucial to urgently call on the authorities for the immediate release of Leydenth Casanova and all those detained with her.
These actions not only represent a direct attack on the fundamental rights of citizens but also serve as intimidation to those who work tirelessly for the well-being of the Venezuelan people.
Since international organizations have not intervened despite the clear violation of Venezuelan citizens’ human rights, the least that can be demanded is respect for the right to peaceful protest and the guarantee of freedom for those fighting for a better nation.
This development comes after Maduro issued an arrest warrant for María Corina Machado and Edmundo González.
“Earlier today, I spoke with Maria and have since heard that Maduro put a warrant out for María Corina Machado and Edmundo González for standing for freedom. The United States must stand with the people of Venezuela as they courageously rally for freedom and democracy,” Rep. Scott wrote on X.
Earlier today, I spoke with Maria and have since heard that Maduro put a warrant out for @MariaCorinaYa & @EdmundoGU for standing for freedom.
The United States must stand with the people of Venezuela as they courageously rally for freedom and democracy. pic.twitter.com/l46U4J5iKp
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) July 30, 2024
Sen. Marco Rubio wrote, “The Maduro narco-regime stole yet another election in Venezuela because of the weak & naive foreign policy of the Biden-Harris Administration.”
The Maduro narco-regime stole yet another election in Venezuela because of the weak & naive foreign policy of the Biden-Harris Administration. pic.twitter.com/AhMEZeaCWu
— Senator Marco Rubio (@SenMarcoRubio) July 31, 2024
