The Governments of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru, members of the Lima Group, strongly urge the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to conduct an independent, comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident on 4 August during the celebration of the 81th anniversary of the creation of the Bolivarian National Guard of Venezuela, with a view to impartially establishing the facts, with full respect for the rule of law and human rights.
In addition, in the face of the recent acts of repression against congressmen of the National Assembly of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, they:
Repudiate any attempt to manipulate the events of 4 August as a means of persecution and repression of political opposition.
Firmly condemn and reject the violation of criminal due process and international rules in the fields of administration of justice and respect for human rights, during the arbitrary and illegal detention, without a prior investigation, of National Assembly congressman Juan Carlos Requesens and in relation to the warrant issued for the arrest of National Assembly congressman Julio Borges, which flagrantly violate parliamentary immunity and the guarantees and immunities afforded to them by the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (section 200), in addition to the violation of other rights provided for in the American Convention on Human Rights, the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man and the Charter of the Organization of American States, among other applicable international instruments.
Express their deep concern over the use of law enforcement and judicial authorities of the Venezuelan Government for the persecution of political opposition, which once again reflects the rupture of democratic order and the violation of Venezuela's Constitution, against the will of its people.
Reiterate their deep concern for the situation of all political prisoners in Venezuela and demand their immediate release, urgently calling on Venezuelan authorities to secure the respect for guarantees and political liberties for all Venezuelan citizens, as well as the holding of free, transparent and democratic elections.
The Governments of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru, in reiterating that only Venezuelans can find the solution to the serious crisis afflicting the kindred nation of Venezuela, reaffirm their commitment to continue implementing actions and initiatives aimed at contributing to the restoration of democratic institutions, respect for human rights and the full force of the rule of law in Venezuela.
Press Release No. 325/18