- The former deputy was brought before a court without the presence of his trusted lawyer | Photo: EFE
The national coordinator of the political party Convergence, Biagio Pilieri, has been charged with five crimes, including “terrorism,” his wife, Maria Livia Vasile, said on Thursday, September 5, explaining that he was presented at a hearing without the presence of his “trusted lawyers.”
“My husband was brought before the court last Friday, August 30, without the presence of his trusted lawyers, with the assistance of a public defender. He was charged with five crimes: conspiracy, criminal association, incitement to hatred, terrorism and treason,” Vasile said on the social network X.
He also said that Pilieri has been in “unjust” detention for a week and that, so far, he has not been able to communicate with his family and defense team.
On August 31, Convergencia demanded the release of the former deputy, saying that he is an “upright person, a man committed to democracy, freedom and human rights.”
“He is not with us today, but we demand that he be released because wanting the popular will of Venezuelans to be respected is not a crime,” the party added in a post on X.
Pilieri’s arrest
Pilieri was arrested on August 28 after participating in a rally called by the main opposition coalitionDemocratic Unitary Platform (PUD), in rejection of the ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), which ratified the results of the presidential elections given by the National Electoral Council (CNE).
The opposition said the former deputy was captured after two vehicles and two motorcycles chased him through Caracas.
A day after his arrest, the Convergencia party denounced that Officials from the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (Sebin) raided Pilieri’s residence, in Yaracuy state, without offering further details of the police operation.
Reports of persecution
The Comando Con Venezuela reported that both Pilieri and the leader Juan Pablo Guanipa were persecuted when they left the demonstration on August 28.
“Unidentified individuals are trying to grab them. Two trucks and three motorcycles are trying to crash into them in order to kidnap them,” the command said.
In a video published by the Comando Con Venezuela, one of the trucks that was chasing Pilieri was seen.
“I hold Nicolás Maduro responsible, I hold the Minister of Interior and Justice responsible, the Attorney General of the Republic, and all the State security forces responsible,” Pilieri said in a video call with leaders of the political organization.
As for Guanipa, it was learned that the leader managed to escape and is currently being protected.
With information from EFE
Related news
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)
{if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};
if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;
n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];
s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,’script’,
‘https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js’);
fbq(‘init’, ‘648851442656403’);
fbq(‘track’, ‘PageView’);
#Biagio #Pilieris #wife #denounced #leader #charged #alleged #terrorism
2024-09-06 01:42:12
Biagio Pilieri: An Alarming Case of Political Persecution in Venezuela
In recent events in Venezuela, the arrest of Biagio Pilieri, a prominent member of the political party Convergence and former deputy, has raised significant concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the increasing political repression in the country. This article delves into the circumstances surrounding Pilieri’s detention, the charges against him, and the broader implications for democracy in Venezuela.
Arrest Without Legal Representation
On August 30, 2024, Biagio Pilieri was presented at a court hearing without the presence of his trusted legal team, a violation of fundamental legal rights. His wife, Maria Livia Vasile, publicly affirmed this distressing situation on the social network X, revealing that Pilieri was instead assisted by a public defender during this crucial moment. According to Vasile, he faces five serious charges: conspiracy, criminal association, incitement to hatred, terrorism, and treason. The allegations have been characterized by many as an effort to suppress dissent against the government.
Concerns Over Detention Practices
Maria Livia Vasile has labeled her husband’s detention as “unjust,” emphasizing that Pilieri has been isolated from communication with his family and legal representatives for over a week. Such treatment raises alarms about the respect for human rights and legal standards in Venezuela. Convergence, the political party that Pilieri leads, has vocally condemned his imprisonment, asserting that advocating for the will of the Venezuelan people is not a crime. Their demand for Pilieri’s immediate release underscores the party’s ongoing commitment to democracy and human rights.
The Background of His Arrest
Pilieri’s arrest is linked to his participation in a protest rally organized by Venezuela’s Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD) on August 28, 2024, which opposed the ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice. This event highlighted widespread discontent with the electoral processes administered by the National Electoral Council (CNE). Witnesses reported that Pilieri was pursued by two vehicles and two motorcycles during his escape from the demonstration, signaling potential state-sponsored intimidation.
The very day after his arrest, members of the Convergence party reported that officials from the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (Sebin) had conducted a raid on Pilieri’s residence in Yaracuy state. This operation, characterized by lack of transparency, further fuels suspicions of a coordinated assault on political opposition.
Allegations of State Persecution
The atmosphere surrounding Pilieri’s arrest is indicative of broader patterns of political persecution in Venezuela. The Comando Con Venezuela, a coalition focused on democratic governance, reported that both Pilieri and fellow political leader Juan Pablo Guanipa faced threats and potential abduction following their appearance at the protest.
In a chilling video message, Pilieri directly implicated high-ranking officials, including President Nicolás Maduro and the Minister of Interior and Justice, holding them responsible for his safety and the ongoing risks faced by political dissidents in the country.
Implications for Democracy in Venezuela
The case of Biagio Pilieri epitomizes the growing risks faced by opposition figures in Venezuela. As the government intensifies its crackdown on dissent, many fear for the future of democracy and human rights in the country. Political arrests, widespread intimidation tactics, and unlawful detention practices threaten to undermine the rule of law and civil liberties.
To safeguard democracy, it is crucial for international observers, human rights organizations, and foreign governments to closely monitor the situation. Expressing solidarity with Venezuelan political prisoners and advocating for democratic reforms can play a pivotal role in challenging the narrative of oppression that has gripped the nation.
Conclusion
The arrest and prosecution of Biagio Pilieri represent a troubling chapter in Venezuela’s ongoing struggle for democracy. The allegations against him, combined with reports of state persecution, highlight the precarious situation for political opposition in the country. Moving forward, it is imperative to advocate for legal reforms, protect human rights, and support the voices of individuals fighting for democracy in Venezuela. Only through collective action can the rights of political leaders and their supporters be preserved against authoritarian measures.
Key Highlights:
- Date of Arrest: August 28, 2024.
- Charges: Conspiracy, criminal association, incitement to hatred, terrorism, and treason.
- Political Context: Associated with opposition protests against electoral irregularities.
- Key Organizations Involved: Convergence party, Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), Comando Con Venezuela.
In this critical moment, the international community’s awareness and responsiveness could significantly influence the trajectory of Venezuela’s political landscape.
