Human rights groups in Venezuela called on Wednesday for the release of a prominent lawyer and activist. His detention last week raised concerns about the government’s use of repression against real and perceived opponents.
Representatives from several rights groups expressed concern about Rocío San Miguel’s well-being and criticized her lack of access to legal representation of her choice.
“The prolonged isolation and lack of communication suffered by defender Rocío San Miguel and his family represents a kind of cruel and inhuman treatment that undermines his psychological and moral freedom. “There is,” said Claudia Carrillo, the victim’s psychological care coordinator. Kofavich, a Venezuela-based organization, said at a press conference in the capital, Caracas.
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San Miguel was detained Friday at an airport near Caracas while he and his daughter waited for a flight to Miami. Her arrest sparked a wave of criticism within and outside South America.
Attorney General Tarek William Saab on Wednesday reiterated accusations against San Miguel announced earlier in the week, accusing the activist of being involved in an alleged plot to kill President Nicolás Maduro and other officials and attack military forces. He told reporters that it would be done.
Saab said a military official arrested in connection with the failed plot disclosed her alleged role to authorities. He claimed to have proof but did not reveal anything.
San Miguel, 57, specializes in researching Venezuela’s shadowy and often corrupt military. She is the director of Control Ciudadano, a non-governmental organization focused on human rights, security and the military.
After San Miguel was taken into custody, authorities also detained her daughter Miranda Diaz, her ex-husband Victor Diaz, her two brothers and her ex-partner.
“Free Rocio!” is written in Spanish, referring to recently arrested lawyer and activist Rocio San Miguel, outside the United Nations Development Program office in Caracas, Venezuela, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. sign. (AP Photo/Ariana Kubijos)
Authorities have not explicitly confirmed the detention of Miranda and Victor Diaz. But Victor’s sister, Minnie Diaz, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that her father and daughter were released on the condition that they regularly contact authorities, not travel outside the country and not speak to the media. she said.
Minnie Diaz previously told The Associated Press that San Miguel and Miranda are dual citizens of Venezuela and Spain and that she hoped the Spanish consulate would intervene.
Saab said San Miguel and his former partner Alejandro Jose Gonzalez de Canales Plaza had their first hearing on Monday. She faces charges of treason, conspiracy and terrorism, while Gonzalez’s charges include revealing state and military secrets and obstruction of justice.
Juan González, one of San Miguel’s city lawyers, said he was told he would be held at the Helicoido prison, the most notorious facility for political prisoners.
The group that held Wednesday’s press conference was one of more than 200 local nongovernmental organizations that earlier this week called for the release of San Miguel and his family and called on the international community to condemn the actions against them.
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Carrillo said the São Miguel detentions were having a “coercive effect” and were trying to create “polarization” and mistrust among the population.
A United Nations-backed commission investigating human rights violations in Venezuela reported in September that the government was stepping up efforts to suppress democratic freedoms through intimidation, surveillance and harassment ahead of this year’s presidential elections. The panel noted that the Maduro regime has changed tactics with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing its targeting of politicians, labor leaders, journalists, human rights defenders, and other actual or perceived opponents. It pointed out that the use of repression has increased.
San Miguel’s detention comes after the US government pledged to hold elections in the second half of 2024, lift embargoes that prevent opponents from remaining in power, and release political prisoners. More than three months have passed since some of the sanctions were lifted. Maduro’s promise was part of an agreement signed between his representatives and representatives of the opposition on the Caribbean island of Barbados.
The administration of US President Joe Biden condemned the detentions and called on Maduro to follow through on his pledge. The United Nations Human Rights Office and the Canadian government have also expressed concern.
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“We call for her immediate release and respect for her right to legal defense,” the United Nations tweeted on Tuesday.
