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Diaz-Balart Calls for Leopoldo Lopez’s Immediate Release on Anniversary of Imprisonment

February 18, 2015

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement on the anniversary of Venezuelan pro-democracy activist and elected official Leopoldo Lopez's imprisonment by the Venezuelan regime.

"It is an international outrage that Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez remains imprisoned simply for expressing opposition to Nicolas Maduro. He is one of many elected officials and pro-democracy activists that have been imprisoned for standing up to Maduro and his Cuban handlers. After one year, the people of Venezuela continue to endure food shortages, corruption, increasing repression, and a weakened economy. Yet rather than moving to solve Venezuela's acute problems, Maduro threatens, intimidates, and punishes those who point out his mounting failures. I call on the Obama administration and the international community to press for Leopoldo Lopez's immediate and unconditional release. There must be no tolerance for political persecution, especially when it occurs within our hemisphere. I proudly stand with him, Marina Corina Machado, and all those who struggle to regain freedom and democracy in their beautiful country."