WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the murder of Kluiverth Roa and the ongoing human rights abuses and violations by the Maduro goverment.
"The killing of fourteen-year-old Kluiverth Roa by Venezuelan security forces is the latest example in a long string of human rights abuses taking place in Venezuela today," said Menendez. "My thoughts and prayers go out to this young man’s family, and friends, and all those who continue to suffer under the heavy-handed tactics of the Maduro regime in Venezuela."
"Kluiverth's unacceptable death is a direct byproduct of President Maduro's policy to have armed security services use maximum force against unarmed, peaceful protesters and innocent bystanders. Coming only days after the arbitrary arrest of Caracas mayor Antonio Ledezma, it also shows that the Venezuelan government is willing to go to extreme lengths to suppress its people and deny them their most fundamental rights and freedoms."
"Democratic governments in Latin America and the Caribbean cannot ignore the growing human tragedy present in Venezuela. And, I urge the Obama Administration to move forward swiftly with the targeted human rights sanctions approved by Congress last year."
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