The Venezuelan government must put an end to the violence against its own people

The Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament and President of the European People's Party, Joseph Daul, today expressed his concern following developments in the situation in Venezuela. At least 3 people have lost their lives and many have been injured during protests taking place across the country. According to information from the press, arrest warrants have been issued for several members of the opposition.

"I deeply deplore the loss of human life and express my condolences to the families of the victims. On behalf of the EPP Group and the European People's Party, I want to first and foremost appeal for calm, moderation and common sense. Violence is never the solution! We are very worried by the high level of insecurity for citizens, of polarisation, of violence and of persecution in Venezuelan political life. The Venezuelan government must stop the violence against its own population. I call on its members to respect the rights to freedom of expression and to peaceful protest that are recognised in its constitution," said Joseph Daul.

The Chairman of the EPP Group also called for the release of all the students that were arrested during student protests over the last few weeks. He underlined that the arrest warrants, issued without grounds, should be withdrawn and that accusations made against important and democratic opposition leaders should cease: "Let me remind you that, in a democracy, the principle of the separation of powers is fundamental and must be scrupulously respected. The administration of justice should serve the people and cannot be used by the authorities as a means of political persecution and repression of the democratic opposition. We call on the governmental authorities to lay down their weapons, to dissolve, immediately, armed pro-government groups and to put an end to their impunity. Finally, we demand clarification on the murders committed so that the authors of these crimes face justice."