OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 9:40 AM PT — Thursday, March 21, 2019
Venezuela’s opposition leader’s wife has entered the political fray to build a case against embattled President Nicolas Maduro.
Juan Guaido’s wife — Fabiana Rosales — was in Chile on Wednesday, where she spoke at a university and met with the country’s First Lady. There she called on Venezuela to return to democracy and protect human rights.
“I don’t think democracy has a political distinction, I don’t think human rights have a political distinction — the case of Venezuela is a case for humanity,” she stated. “When they massacre indigenous people at the border, when children die due to a lack of food and medicine, that goes beyond any political position — Venezuela is a case for humanity.”
Fabiana Rosales de Guaido, wife of Venezuela’s self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido, shakes hands with a supporter during a meeting with Venezuelan residents in Chile, in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Rosales is in Chile for the Democracy Forum Santiago 2019. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
On the same day as her visit the United Nations human rights commissioner — Michelle Bachelet — released a report on the country, warning of a crackdown on political protests from the Maduro regime that is eroding democracy.
“My office documented numerous human rights violations and abuses by security forces and pro-government armed groups, including excessive use of force, killings, arbitrary detentions, torture and ill-treatment in detention, and threats and intimidation,” stated Bachelet.
Chile’s First Lady promised the international community would continue to support a return to democracy in Venezuela.
“You are not alone…we will be by your side on this difficult but inspiring road,” said Cecilia Morel. “The most important thing is that we have hope, and sooner than later liberty and light will come to Venezuela.”
Rosales struck a positive tone in her visit, saying change is underway. She even told Venezuelans who fled to Chile to pack their suitcases, because there will soon be food, jobs and opportunity in their home country once again.
