Venezuela: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP Plenary on the situation of political prisoners

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Venezuela: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP Plenary on the situation of political prisoners

13.03.2024 EEAS Press Team

Speech delivered by Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell

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Thank you very much, President. Dear President, Honourable Members,

Like in the previous items of the agenda, I'll be speaking on behalf of the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, who is in the United Nations in a mission.

A few weeks ago, this plenary discussed the repression against the democratic forces in Venezuela, including aggression on presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado and other opposition members. The repression continues as we have seen over the weekend with the arrest of yet another of Machado's party members, this time in the region of Barinas.

Today, we are discussing the cases of Rocío San Miguel and General Hernández Da Costa.

Let me start by recalling that the European Union has been firmly and actively committed to promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the protection of human rights defenders in Venezuela, and the protection of EU citizens in the country.

Rocío San Miguel is one of them. A Spanish-Venezuelan citizen, she is the president of the NGO "Control Ciudadano" and a renowned human rights defender, who has been in prison since the 9^th February without access to her lawyers. She is currently detained in the headquarters of Venezuela's Intelligence Service known as "the Helicoide". Four other relatives, including three Spanish-Venezuelan citizens, who were arrested with her have been released on the condition not to leave the country or speak to the media.

Regarding General Hector Hernández Da Costa, he has been detained since 2018. His family and lawyers have in vain requested to obtain access and to provide the necessary medical assistance.

Honourable members,

The European Union continues to call on the Venezuelan authorities to guarantee political and civic rights, and ensure the protection of human rights defenders. We will continue to monitor closely the situation, including by promoting access to human rights mechanisms in Venezuela.

The European Union deeply regrets the decision of the Venezuelan authorities to suspend the activities of the technical Office of the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights. The EU commends the significant work of the Office in Venezuela, engaging with the authorities, political actors and civil society and calls for its prompt reopening and resumption of activities.

The European Union calls for the immediate and unconditional release of those individuals unjustly detained, respect of due process and ensure the protection and safety of detainees at all times, allow the immediate access to their lawyers of choice and family visits.

The European Union remains convinced that the repression of human rights and political freedoms needs to be addressed through a peaceful and democratic solution to the political crisis, including inclusive and competitive elections. We hope that the forthcoming presidential elections to be held on 28 of July will reflect the democratic aspirations of Venezuelans.

The European Union will continue working with Venezuelans and the international community to foster dialogue and to foster democracy, and to promote the respect of the rule of law and human rights in Venezuela.

Thank you very much. Muchas gracias to all the speakers. Thank you.

Link to video (from 17:29): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-254330