US Expresses Concern Over Venezuela’s Arrest of Activist and Her Family – Reuters

US Expresses Concern Over Arrest of Venezuelan Human Rights Activist

The United States has expressed "deep concern" following reports of the arrest of human rights advocate Rocio San Miguel and members of her family in Venezuela, according to statements from the White House on Tuesday.

San Miguel, who leads the non-governmental organization Control Ciudadano, which promotes citizen oversight of the Venezuelan armed forces, was detained this week. She faces allegations related to an apparent conspiracy to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro.

White House spokesperson John Kirby emphasized the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and called on Maduro to fulfill commitments made in negotiations with political opposition leaders regarding elections scheduled for this year. He stressed the importance of how civil society, political activists, and opposition parties should be treated based on agreements made last fall.

Venezuela’s attorney general, Tarek Saab, announced on Sunday that San Miguel was apprehended for her purported connections to a plot against the President and other high-ranking officials. He revealed that she has been charged with treason, conspiracy, and terrorism, and is being held pending trial.

In addition to San Miguel, one of her relatives has faced charges for allegedly disclosing state and military secrets. Saab indicated that four other relatives should be monitored and have their movements restricted during the ongoing investigation.

San Miguel’s legal team reported on social media that they are seeking information regarding her arraignment, stating she lacked trusted legal representation during the hearing. They also mentioned that they have been unable to contact San Miguel or her family, labeling her situation a "forced disappearance."

The United Nations’ human rights office has called for her immediate release and the right to legal defense, describing her case as a potential enforced disappearance.

While Maduro’s agreement with the opposition led the U.S. to momentarily ease certain oil sanctions, sanctions were reinstated last month after Venezuela’s highest court upheld a ban that prevents a leading opposition candidate from running for president.