(NEW YORK)—PEN America strongly condemns the enforced disappearance of Jesus Armas, a Venezuelan pro-democracy activist and online commentator, who was abducted by six masked agents in an unmarked SUV last night at 9:19 PM in Caracas.
“Jesus Armas’ disappearance is a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by those who use their voices to champion democracy and human rights. PEN America stands in solidarity with him and calls for his immediate return to safety so he can continue his vital work,” said PEN America’s Laura Schroeder, Lead, Congressional Affairs.
At the time of this statement, Armas’ whereabouts remain unknown and it is feared that he is still being detained by his abductors. The Maduro government has a history of silencing dissent and instilling fear among its critics. Armas’ case is one of over 2,000 arbitrary detentions recorded since the election according to Amnesty International. There has been no official confirmation from the Venezuelan government regarding his disappearance.
Armas was a senior member of the opposition campaign during the July 28 presidential elections. Armas has written numerous opinion pieces on democracy and human rights for National Post and Caraota Digital. Additionally, Armas is an influential online commentator, posting extensively on democracy and human rights, with a following of over 30,000 followers on Instagram.
PEN America calls on the Venezuelan government to urgently disclose Jesus Armas’ location and release him and all those forcibly disappeared or arbitrarily imprisoned for exercising their right to free expression. We urge international actors to demand accountability and ensure Armas’ safe return.