ATLANTA — State Representatives David Casas (R-Lilburn) and Pete “Pedro” Marin (D-Duluth) recently held a press conference to publicly condemn the Venezuelan government’s actions against journalists and protestors. The press conference was held Thursday, March 6 at the Georgia State Capitol.
“Venezuelan leaders are using violence and fear to silence opposition and suppress free speech,” said Rep. Marin. “These actions are detestable. I urge the Venezuelan government to respect its citizens’ basic human rights.”
“Representative government and government by the consent of the governed is in jeopardy in Venezuela,” said Rep. Casas. “We urge Venezuelan leaders not to follow the path of Cuba but to pursue liberty and justice.”
In addition to holding the press conference, Representatives Casas and Marin also introduced a bipartisan resolution to show support for the people of Venezuela and condemn the violence. House Resolution 1653 calls upon the Venezuelan government to respect the rights and ability of its citizens to peacefully assemble and voice their concerns without fear of retribution. HR 1653 was passed by the House on March 3, 2014.
Human rights organizations have received reports that Venezuelan security forces are using excessive force against unarmed protestors. Such actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 20 citizens of Venezuela. Reports also indicate that journalists have been detained and assaulted for their reporting of the protests. Efforts have been made to remove several international news organizations, including CNN, from airwaves in Venezuela.
For more information on HR 1653, click here.
Representative David Casas represents the citizens of District 107, which includes a portion of Gwinnett County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2002, and is currently the Chairman of the Code Revision Committee and serves on the Appropriations, Higher Education, and Rules committees.
Representative Pedro “Pete” Marin represents the citizens of District 96, which includes portions of Gwinnett County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2002, and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Economic Development & Tourism, and Industry and Labor committees.
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