UNASUR condemns murder of Maduro's opposition leader

The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) condemned the murder of Luis Manoel Díaz, one of Venezuela's opposition leaders, shot while taking part in a rally. In a note, the bloc declares it strongly opposes all kinds of violence that may affect Venezuela's ordinary electoral routine.

The association called on authorities to investigate the case in an attempt to fight impunity and urged political sectors to foster an atmosphere of peace and harmony for the upcoming period of electoral campaigns.

The death of Luís Manoel Díaz sparked political tension 11 days ahead of the election, slated for December 6. Díaz was Secretary-General of the Democratic Action party and head of the Democratic Unity coalition, which opposes current President Nicolás Maduro's United Socialist Party of Venezuela.

Democratic Unity released a statement demanding “immediate, in-depth, and independent investigation,” further requesting that the ones responsible for the death of Luis Manoel be held accountable for the murder. The note says that the “Venezuelan State is responsible, by action or omission, for any act of violence in Venezuela.”

The group further urged a number of international organizations, like the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the European Union to press Maduro's government into repudiating the use of violence as a political weapon. It further demanded that the government ensure people's right to a peaceful vote and that the election result be respected.

Human rights activist Lilian Tintori, who attended the rally when the killing took place, wrote on her Twitter page that she will expose the terror, the persecution, and the violence to which she was subject during the attacks in the city of Altagracia de Orituco, and showed her condolences to the family of Luis Manoel Díaz.

Lilian Tintori is the wife of Leopoldo López, the opposition leader arrested 2014 following charges of inciting violence, damage to property, criminal fire, and criminal conspiracy. He was sentenced to 14 years in jail.

No mention of the opposition leader murdered can be found on the website of Maduro's party. Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Relations said on its Twitter page that “Brazil participates in every effort to promote dialogue with Venezuela, so that the elections may be held in an atmosphere of peace and transparency.”

Unasur is a bloc formed by Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The purpose of international organization is to promote cultural, economic, social, and political integration, in addition to redressing inequalities, bolster social inclusion and strengthening democracy.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira