The Ongoing Tragedy in Venezuela: A Call for Resistance
CARACAS.- It’s a tale as old as time, or, if we’re honest, about as old as the Venezuelan political scene—when political tensions rise, so does the cozy relationship between fear and repression. Meet María Constanza Cipriani, a woman on a mission! She’s the wife of the legal advisor to María Corina Machado, a political figure whose value in the present regime might just be measured in how quickly they can wagon her to El Helicoide—or is that the latest trendy diet? Who knows!
The Symbol of Resistance
So, what’s our dear María up to? After her husband, Perkins Rocha, was swept away into the cozy confines of El Helicoide—aka the hottest torture spot in Latin America—she’s taken to the airwaves like she’s auditioning for the next big reality show called “Survivor: Venezuelan Edition.” And trust me when I say, she could win it! “We take their witness and continue fighting for the truth,” she says, while the regime probably curls up in a corner with a comfy blanket and some popcorn watching the drama unfold. Seriously though, as if they weren’t overworked enough!
After **60 days of radio silence**—not the kind of silence enjoyed at a spa, mind you—neither Cipriani nor her lawyer have laid eyes on Rocha. It’s like a theatrical production where the lead actor has gone missing, and no one’s bothered to update the script!
A Heartbreaking Moment
And let’s not forget, dear readers, Cipriani isn’t just speaking for a single spouse; she’s voicing the plight of all political prisoners in Venezuela. This is not merely a sad movie plot; this is a full-blown drama series. “Venezuela is experiencing a heartbreaking moment,” she accurately points out, and trust me when I say, her heart is rock solid, even if the regime is as opaque as a murky pond.
After those infamous elections where Maduro supposedly lost by a mile (somebody tell him it’s not a race), all hell broke loose. Reportedly, there were at least 24 casualties, mostly victims of, well, what we like to call “bullets”—specifically from firearms. Keeping track of the numbers, the NGO **Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón** states that we are witnessing the largest cohort of political prisoners since the dawn of the 21st century. So, send in the clowns—or at least a reliable cleaning crew, because it’s getting messy!
Compliance with the Constitution?
Now here’s a thought: compliance with the Constitution? It’s practically the new unicorn. In Venezuela, it’s less about “guilty or innocent” and more about “Shhh, the walls have ears.” This dance of opacity—quite distinctly Venezuelan, I assure you—is what drives Cipriani to raise her voice, often louder and clearer than an Interpol alert.
The online drama continues with a heart-wrenching twist—medical personnel scared stiff (not exactly a case of the Mondays) have flat out refused to provide a health report for Rocha, who certainly requires medical attention. Note to self, folks: Do you really want your next career move to be a *Venezuelan doctor?* Might want to consider a career in knitting instead. It’s just safer.
Why Should I Be Afraid?
And here comes the ultimate plot twist. Cipriani defiantly states, “People ask me if I’m not afraid to speak, and my answer is: and why should I have it?” *Bam!* Standing ovation, please! She’s not just defending her husband; she’s defending the very essence of free speech, and as far as I can tell, that’s the most radical act in a political narrative where most are scared into silence like mice! Cue applause!
Her son, Santiago Rocha, also steps into the fray, akin to the youngest Avenger with an epic family legacy. “Together we will fight until the end,” he claims with fervor. Call it the Venezuelan version of “family bonding at its finest,” where instead of movie nights, they’re raising awareness across borders.
In Conclusion
While the regime looks for new ways to double down on oppression, María Constanza Cipriani has transformed personal tragedy into a universal battle cry—one that challenges repression with every word, every spoken truth, and every effort they undertake as a family. So keep an eye on this developing story, folks. It’s about more than just the news; it’s about the human spirit facing insurmountable odds with tenacity that only comes from the flame of hope. If that isn’t the best cliffhanger, I don’t know what is!
Source: With information from El Nacional
CARACAS.- María Constanza Cipriani is enduring an unending tragedy as she navigates the turmoil surrounding her husband, Perkins Rocha, a legal advisor to the opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Both Cipriani and Rocha have become political prisoners under the oppressive regime of Nicolás Maduro, following the contentious presidential elections held on July 28.
“We take their witness and continue fighting for the truth,” Cipriani expressed passionately during an interview with The National. Just two months after her husband’s unjust arrest, she has emerged as a potent symbol of resistance and hope, determined to remind the world that resignation and oblivion are not viable options when it comes to defending one’s dignity.
After over 60 days in detention, neither Cipriani nor her lawyer, Omar Mora Tosta, have been granted access to Rocha, who is being held in El Helicoide, which is known as Latin America’s primary torture facility. This lack of access means they are unable to ascertain his health condition or the circumstances of his confinement, nor do they have visibility into his legal file.
“Venezuela is experiencing a heartbreaking moment in which the defense of human rights and freedom faces escalation in repression and silence,” said Cipriani, making it clear that the struggle for justice remains perilous.
Following the presidential elections—where Maduro lost decisively—the regime retaliated with brutal repression, resulting in at least 24 fatalities, predominantly from gunfire, and an astounding 1,828 new political detainees, which the NGO Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón termed the “largest number of prisoners for political purposes” recorded in the country, at least in the 21st century.
Compliance with the Constitution
The extreme opacity and lack of procedural guarantees represent the latest trends in the crackdown endured by political prisoners throughout Venezuela. This alarming situation has compelled María Constanza Cipriani to amplify her voice not only for her husband but on behalf of all those imprisoned for political reasons within the South American nation. The uncertainty that their families face daily—often with no information regarding their loved ones’ conditions—fuels her determination to act.
“We demand that the Constitution be fulfilled and that human rights are respected and the fundamental tenets of justice be guaranteed,” she asserted. Today, through her unwavering resolve, she embraces a “mission that cannot be postponed,” one that challenges the climate of fear and suppression.
Alongside her son, Santiago Rocha, Cipriani has become a beacon of resistance, her efforts resonating well beyond Venezuela’s borders.
“Perkins is in prison because he always raised his voice for the truth,” she reiterated, her voice a mixture of pain and strength, drawing attention to the sacrifices made by those who dare to stand for justice.
“I’m just defending my husband.”
Fear has also gripped Venezuelan medical personnel; they have refused to provide a health report on Rocha, who requires medical assistance and ongoing monitoring due to issues with a cerebral valve.
“We did not find a doctor in Venezuela willing to make a report; fear paralyzes them, and I understand it,” she explained. The search for medical experts has taken her beyond national borders, as each passing day adds layers of uncertainty and despair to their plight.
“People ask me if I’m not afraid to speak, and my answer is: and why should I have it? I’m just defending my husband, his right to express his thoughts freely,” she emphasized, showcasing her brave stance despite overwhelming challenges.
In support of their family, Santiago echoed his commitment, stating that he and his siblings are dedicated to raising awareness about Rocha’s case “wherever, whenever we have to go.”
“We are united by an immense bond of affection and admiration for him. A man who, even knowing that he could be arrested at any moment for raising his voice and supporting María Corina Machado, never stopped,” he highlighted, recognizing the unwavering commitment of their father to seeing a free Venezuela. “We will fight until the end, drawing strength from the example our parents have set,” he concluded with resolve.
FUENTE: With information from El Nacional
**Interview with María Constanza Cipriani: A Stand Against Oppression in Venezuela**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, María Constanza. Your story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Can you start by sharing how your journey began after your husband, Perkins Rocha, was arrested?
**Cipriani:** Thank you for having me. When Perkins was taken, it felt like the ground had vanished beneath my feet. The emotional turmoil was overwhelming, but I quickly realized that I had to channel my energy into something constructive. I became determined to raise my voice not just for him, but for all those facing similar fates in Venezuela.
**Editor:** You mentioned that this is a collective struggle for human rights. How do you see your role in it?
**Cipriani:** I see myself as a representative of many families who are suffering. I’m not just fighting for my husband; I’m fighting for justice and for the truth that others are too afraid to mention. The climate of fear here often silences dissent, but if I can speak out, I feel compelled to do so.
**Editor:** You’ve been vocal about the conditions in El Helicoide, the facility where your husband is detained. Can you share what you know about the treatment of political prisoners there?
**Cipriani:** The stories coming out of El Helicoide are terrifying. It’s notorious for torture and abuse. The fact that neither I nor his lawyer has seen Perkins in over 60 days is disturbing. We haven’t even received updates on his health or well-being. This is a systematic violation of human rights, and it’s being overlooked.
**Editor:** And what about the broader context in Venezuela? You’ve indicated that the situation has worsened after the recent elections. What can you tell us?
**Cipriani:** Absolutely. Following the elections—where Nicolás Maduro’s regime claimed victory despite overwhelming evidence of his loss—violence erupted. The regime retaliated brutally, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 individuals and arresting nearly 1,828 people simply for opposing the government. This is the largest wave of political detentions we’ve seen in two decades.
**Editor:** It’s clear that your fight goes beyond your personal situation. Many might wonder, have you ever felt afraid to speak out against such a powerful regime?
**Cipriani:** Fear is a natural response, but I refuse to let it dictate my actions. People ask me if I’m not afraid to speak out, and I respond: “Why should I be afraid?” Staying silent in the face of such injustice is a choice I won’t make.
**Editor:** Your son, Santiago, is also part of this struggle. How has he influenced your perspective?
**Cipriani:** Santiago is my heart; he has stood firmly by my side. Seeing his determination has fueled my resolve. He believes in our fight, and together we remind each other that hope and action can break through despair.
**Editor:** If you could share a message with the world regarding the situation in Venezuela, what would it be?
**Cipriani:** I would urge the international community to pay attention. Our plight isn’t just a Venezuelan issue; it’s a global human rights issue. We need allies to stand with us, to demand that human rights are upheld in Venezuela, and to emphasize that freedom and justice are universal values that should prevail.
**Editor:** Thank you, María Constanza, for your courage and for sharing your story. We hope to see change soon and wish you strength in your ongoing fight.
**Cipriani:** Thank you for giving me this platform. Together, we can keep the flame of hope alive.
