Lima Group statement on the death of Caracas city councillor Fernando Albán

October 9, 2018

The governments of Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Saint Lucia, members of the Lima Group, express their deep concern over the tragic death of Venezuelan councilman Fernando Albán, of the Primero Justicia party, on October 8, in dubious circumstances, while under detention at the headquarters of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service in Caracas, after being placed in custody on October 5.

The Lima Group urges the Venezuelan government to carry out an immediate, impartial and independent investigation, with international support, to clarify the facts and circumstances that caused such a terrible outcome. The Lima Group reiterates that it is the Venezuelan government’s obligation to process the investigation’s findings and adopt any necessary measures.

The Lima Group also expresses its condemnation of the systematic violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, political persecution and the existence of political prisoners. At the same time, it reiterates its decision to continue carrying out all possible diplomatic efforts aimed at contributing to the restoration of democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and the full exercise of the rule of law in Venezuela.