The Governments of Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Saint Lucia, members of the Lima Group, express their deep concern over the tragic death of Venezuelan councilman Fernando Albán, a member of the Primero Justicia party, on 8 October under still unclear circumstances. He had been a prisoner at the headquarters of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) in Caracas and held in custody of Venezuelan authorities since 5 October.
The Lima Group urges the Government of Venezuela to conduct an immediate, impartial and independent investigation, with international support, with a view to clarifying the facts and circumstances surrounding the tragic death and adopting all necessary measures.
Moreover, it once again condemns the systematic violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, political persecution and the taking of political prisoners, in addition to reaffirming its decision to continue making every possible diplomatic effort 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. 407/18