Brussels, 24/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - The spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini believes that the recent arrest of Antonio Ledezma - the mayor of Caracas and veteran opposition leader - “is a source of alarm”.
Taking the position expressed by the United Nations and US, the EU is also concerned about the reports of alleged “intimidation” and “mistreatment” of other imprisoned opposition leaders and students who participated in the protests of 2014, which resulted in the loss of 43 lives. The EU calls on the Venezuelan authorities to ensure that accusations are investigated impartially, in full respect of the principle of presumption of innocence and due legal process in a year when legislative elections are due to take place in Venezuela. (Mathieu Bion)