Press Release from Ladies of Liberty Alliance
LOLA (Ladies of Liberty Alliance) a non-profit that promotes libertarian ideas worldwide and empowers women, has filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, requesting precautionary measures for the release of Maria Oropeza. Oropeza, 30, was summarily arrested by Nicolás Maduro’s regime in Venezuela, without any legal process or official justification. She has worked for Maria Corina Machado since the age of 16 and has been an active voice in opposing Maduro’s regime. Maria has been the leader of LOLA in Portuguesa, a Venezuelan province, since 2022, where she was detained. Maria Oropeza was arrested on the night of August 6th, without a warrant, around 7:30 PM, Brasília time.
Maria Oropeza’s family has no information about her whereabouts, except for an intimidating video released by the DGCIM.
Adriana Flores Márquez, a Venezuelan refugee in Argentina, LOLA activist, and coordinator of Maria Corina Machado’s campaign in Argentina, stated: “The arbitrary detention of Maria Oropeza is a clear violation of human rights. She has been a crucial voice in the fight for democracy and fundamental rights in Venezuela. We urge the Inter-American Human Rights System to take urgent measures to ensure her release and safety.”
Sâmila Monteiro, Brazilian activist and LOLA leader who headed the working group responsible for organizing and filing the complaint, emphasized the importance of this action: “This complaint is a response to the systematic repression that Maduro’s regime exerts on those who dare to oppose him. Maria Oropeza represents many other activists facing similar conditions. It is essential that the international community protects those who dedicate their lives to defending freedom and democracy.”
LOLA will continue to closely monitor the case of Maria Oropeza and other human rights violations in Venezuela, reaffirming its commitment to defending democratic principles and fundamental rights in the region.
For more information, please contact: LOLA Email: annedias@ladiesofliberty.org Phone: +55 41 999911224
About LOLA (Ladies of Liberty Alliance): LOLA promotes liberal and libertarian ideals worldwide and empowers liberal women. The organization is present in more than 41 countries with more than 130 chapters.. https://ladiesofliberty.org/
