Activist José Riera marks 30 days under enforced disappearance, Voluntad Popular denounces
Voluntad Popular said on Tuesday that activist José Riera, detained without a warrant on July 26 near the Millenium shopping center in Caracas, has been a victim of enforced disappearance for 30 days, and held Nicolás Maduro responsible.
Originally published by Voluntad Popular ·
Written by Staff, Voluntad Popular
Republished by Eyleen Valiente ·
Read the original: voluntadpopular.com/activista-jose-riera-cumple-30-dias-bajo-desaparicion-forzada-denuncia-voluntad-popular
The Voluntad Popular (VP) party denounced on Tuesday that 30 days have passed since the enforced disappearance of activist José Riera, who was detained on July 26 in the vicinity of the Millenium shopping center, in Caracas, by officials of Nicolás Maduro’s regime without a court order.
In a statement released on its social media, the opposition organization recalled that Riera’s relatives have gone repeatedly to the Prosecutor’s Office and the Ombudsman’s Office, in addition to making the rounds of detention centers in search of information, but they still do not know his whereabouts.
“The answer has always been the same: silence. There is no record of his detention, they do not report his whereabouts and, most painful of all, we do not know if José is alive,” the party denounced.
VP held Maduro directly responsible for whatever may happen to Riera.
“This is the reality of a regime that uses enforced disappearance as a mechanism of persecution and punishment. Nicolás Maduro and his repressive apparatus are responsible for this crime against humanity and for whatever may happen to him,” the orange party added.
The organization reiterated that Riera “is not alone” and expressed its solidarity with his relatives, who are still waiting for an answer about where he is and in what condition. “They have shown enormous courage, facing the wall of impunity and indifference, and at Voluntad Popular we stand with them in their pain and their struggle.”
They reiterate his innocence
Voluntad Popular leader Manuel García also spoke out about Riera’s enforced disappearance, describing him as an “innocent young man,” and held Maduro’s regime responsible.
“Today marks 30 days since the enforced disappearance of our brother in the struggle, José Riera. An innocent young man, committed to Venezuela, kidnapped by Nicolás Maduro’s regime without a court order and without his family knowing where he is or in what condition,” he said.
García added: “Let no one doubt it: Maduro is solely responsible for this crime against humanity. José, you are innocent, we are with you and we will not rest until we see you free and back with your family.”
