Student Deaths in Venezuela is Tragic; Maduro Regime Must Respect Calls for Democratic Reforms and Human Rights, Says Ros-Lehtinen

Statement

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement regarding reports of three deaths and more injured in the student protests against the Maduro regime. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

"I'm deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of students who participated in protests in Venezuela to demand fundamental human rights and respect for democratic principles. Maduro's repressive tactics have undermined the rights and dignity of the Venezuelan people, and now some of the nation's brave youth have fallen victim to his dictatorial rule.

"These deaths could have been avoided if this regime hadn't pursued disastrous economic policies and curtailed democratic institutions such as the independent press. But with the Venezuelan constitution and democracy under siege, the people wish to speak out against efforts to acquire complete control of the country. As these two days have demonstrated, the Venezuelan people still have a voice -- and they won't be silenced.

"I urge responsible nations everywhere to stand in solidarity with those in Venezuela who bravely express their opposition to this regime and seek to protect their democratic liberties. In the struggle for freedom where the state uses violence to harm its people, neutrality is not an option."

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