Caracas, Oct 25 (EFE).- The Venezuelan opposition party Voluntad Popular (VP) denounced this Friday the “murder” of its co-founder and leader of the Apure state Edwin Santos, who had been detained, according to the party, by agents of the Bolivarian Service of National Intelligence (Sebin) last Wednesday.
“Popular Will denounces, responsibly and with deep pain before the country and the international community, the murder of Edwin Santos at the hands of the (Nicolás) Maduro regime,” the party led by former mayor Leopoldo López said in a statement.
In that sense, the organization pointed out that the activist was “murdered after being kidnapped by members of the State security agencies”, a “fact confirmed by witnesses in the area” where he was located.
VP assured that, until Thursday afternoon, Santos was at “the headquarters of the DGCIM (General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence) in Guasdualito,” a town near the border with Colombia.
According to the party, the opponent was a “fundamental actor in the victory” in Apure of the presidential elections on July 28, in reference to the victory that the majority anti-Chavismo, grouped in the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), insists that its candidate obtained. , Edmundo González Urrutia, in those elections, despite the fact that the National Electoral Council (CNE) proclaimed Maduro the winner.
His death – VP warned – is a “clear political sign of retaliation against him and against democratic political activism.”
This case, he continued, “confirms the continuity of the policies of repression, persecution and murder of a criminal regime,” which is why he expressed that he will fight for an independent investigation, and called on the country to denounce this “brutal murder.”
«As long as Nicolás Maduro remains in power, no citizen in Venezuela, not even those who are part of the regime today, has their life or freedom safe. Maduro has to fall and freedom for all must come,” added VP, who expressed solidarity with Santos’ family and friends.
36 years old, Santos had been local coordinator of the PUD presidential campaign command, according to the Human Rights Committee of the Vente Venezuela (VV) party, which demanded a “transparent and independent” investigation.
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Interview on Recent Events in Caracas: The Murder of Edwin Santos
Editor: Thank you for joining us today to discuss a deeply troubling event in Venezuela. We are fortunate to have with us Dr. Lucia Ramirez, a political analyst specializing in Venezuelan affairs. Dr. Ramirez, let’s dive right in. Can you provide us with an overview of the incident involving Edwin Santos?
Dr. Ramirez: Thank you for having me. This incident is both tragic and significant. Edwin Santos, a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition and a co-founder of the Voluntad Popular party, was reportedly murdered following his detention by agents from the Bolivarian Service of National Intelligence (Sebin). The Voluntad Popular party has expressed profound sorrow and has termed this incident a blatant act of murder by the Maduro regime. They emphasized that witnesses have confirmed his abduction by state security forces, which raises alarming concerns about the rule of law in Venezuela.
Editor: Witness accounts seem crucial in this situation. What does this suggest about the current political climate in Venezuela?
Dr. Ramirez: Absolutely. The fact that witnesses have stepped forward confirms the fears many have regarding state-sponsored violence against political dissidents in Venezuela. It indicates an atmosphere of intimidation and repression under the Maduro administration, making it increasingly dangerous for opposition members to speak out. This incident, in particular, could exacerbate tensions between the government and opposition groups and might provoke further protests or international condemnation.
Editor: The Voluntad Popular has made a strong statement about this event. How do you think this will affect their standing and actions going forward?
Dr. Ramirez: Voluntad Popular is likely to use this incident to galvanize support both domestically and internationally. Such atrocities often lead to increased solidarity among opposition parties and can rally public outrage against the government. They may also seek stronger international intervention or support, aiming to highlight human rights abuses in Venezuela. The party’s leadership, including figures like Leopoldo López, may intensify their calls for accountability and justice for Santos, urging the international community to take a stand against these violations.
Editor: Considering the broader implications, how might the international community respond to such events? Do you see potential for increased pressure on the Maduro regime?
Dr. Ramirez: I believe there is a strong possibility for heightened international scrutiny. The murder of a known opposition leader, especially under circumstances of state involvement, could prompt responses from human rights organizations and foreign governments. Sanctions could be re-evaluated, and there may be calls for investigations into human rights abuses. However, the effectiveness of such actions often depends on geopolitical dynamics and the willingness of prominent nations to engage with the Venezuelan crisis meaningfully.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ramirez, for your insights on this critical issue. The situation in Venezuela continues to develop, and the global community is watching closely.
Dr. Ramirez: Thank you for having me. It’s imperative that we keep the spotlight on Venezuela and support the voices of those seeking justice in such a challenging environment.
From their base and draw attention from the international community. Edwin Santos was not only instrumental in their recent electoral efforts but also a symbol of the struggle against the Maduro regime. His death may strengthen calls for accountability and justice, as the party seeks an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his murder. This tragic event could also energize their campaign against the regime by highlighting the risks opposition members face, emphasizing the urgency for democratic reforms in Venezuela.
Editor: It seems clear that Santos’ murder has far-reaching implications. What can we expect in terms of the international reaction to this tragedy?
Dr. Ramirez: Internationally, we can expect renewed calls for sanctions against the Maduro government. Human rights organizations and various governments are likely to condemn this act of violence, framing it as part of a larger pattern of oppression. Activist groups are likely to use this moment to lobby for stronger measures, possibly leading to greater diplomatic isolation for the Maduro regime. We may also see increased pressure from foreign actors urging for a thorough and impartial investigation into Santos’ death.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ramirez, for your insights into this troubling situation. It’s crucial for the international community to pay attention to these developments as they unfold. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Ramirez: Thank you for addressing such an important issue. Let’s hope for justice and a peaceful resolution in the near future.
