Álvarez Paz released from custody

On Thursday, May 13, 2010, the Venezuelan opposition politician Oswaldo Álvarez Paz was released from custody. A few days before a charge of conspiracy, the most serious charge against him, was dropped. He still faces charges of spreading false information and incitement of hatred. The preliminary hearing will be held on May 28. Under the conditions of his release, Álvarez Paz cannot leave Venezuela and speak publicly about his case.

 

The former Governor of Zulia state and presidential candidate, who participated in the Forum 2000 Conference in 2008, was arrested on March 22, 2010 after criticizing the Venezuelan government in a televised speech. His arrest raised protests from Venezuelan opposition representatives and organizations promoting human rights, including Human Rights Watch and the Human Rights Foundation. The Forum 2000 Foundation demanded the release of Álvarez Paz in an open letter addressed to the Venezuelan government, which was signed by more than 30 former delegates of the Forum 2000 Conferences. In addition, an article “Freedom Arrested in Venezuela” was released by the Forum 2000 Foundation and published by distinguished newspapers around the world, especially in Latin American countries.

 

The open letter and the related article can be found here.