USA: Maduro must be held accountable for the murder of Venezuelan Navy captain

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The Chargé d'Affaires of the USA in Venezuela, James Story, during an interview with Reuters in Bogotá, Colombia, on April 12, 2019.

US Chargé d'Affaires in Venezuela, James Story, said on Tuesday that the United States condemned the murder of Corvette captain Rafael Acosta Arévalo, who had been accused of conspiracy and died under arrest on the orders of the government in dispute with Nicolás Maduro. "The US condemns the torture and murder of Corvette Captain Rafael Acosta Arévalo, an officer of the Venezuelan Navy, who died while in the custody of Maduro's thugs and his Cuban advisors," Story told a conference call. "I can only imagine the pain not only of his family, but what the entire military family feels about this loss, we must not forget it and the world must demand that the illegitimate regime be held accountable for this tragedy," said Story. The wife and mother of Acosta Arévalo's children, Waleswka Pérez, had denounced on Saturday that her husband suffered torture during the week he was detained and a judge ordered his transfer to a health center in the Fuerte Tiuna military complex in Caracas when the The uniformed man arrived at the courtroom in a wheelchair, a few hours before his death. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said in a statement on Monday that it is imperative that Venezuela conduct a transparent investigation into the death of Corvette captain Rafael Acosta Arévalo while he was a prisoner of the government in dispute with Nicolás Maduro. Story, who took office in Caracas in July 2018, said the important thing is Maduro's departure from power. "The US will work to change the illegitimate regime of Maduro, so that Venezuelans do not have to leave their country," said Story. "Our emphasis remains that there must be a change in Venezuela." He referred to the fact that some 4 million Venezuelans have left the country to escape the crisis, some 668 remain in prisons. He also said that the Maduro regime seeks to suspend guarantees to 20 deputies of the National Assembly.

The support of Cuba to Maduro Story reiterated the accusation that weighs on Cuba about its support to Maduro in his attempt to cling to power. "The only reason why Maduro is still in power is because of Cuba's support," said the diplomat. "Thousands of Cubans working in the Venezuelan government," he added. He mentioned that Maduro sends 100,000 barrels of oil per day free to the island's government. Story indicated that the United States "continues to send humanitarian aid to Venezuela but the illegitimate regime is blocking its distribution." He said that Maduro signed agreements for the purchase of arms to Russia for about 209 million dollars. "The international community must press for Maduro to leave and have free elections," said the diplomat. He also thanked journalists based in Venezuela for their work to rid him of the tragedy he lives. Story expressed his respect prior to the celebration for the Day of the Signature of the Act of Independence of the nation, on July 5. "I know that it is commemorated under the shadow of the continued repression and misery suffered by the Venezuelan people, but I remain firmly optimistic that we will be able to rebuild a more prosperous and more secure Venezuela," said Story. Independence Day Story was not the only official to talk about Venezuela on Tuesday. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with interim president Juan Guaidó, also about the celebration of the Independence Day of the South American country. The State Department spokeswoman, Morgan Ortagus, said in a statement that Pompeo expressed to Guaidó the "unwavering support" of the United States. to him, the National Assembly and the people of Venezuela in their quest to "recover the freedom and prosperity of their country."