Venezuelan human rights attorney Rocío San Miguel detained, whereabouts unknown.
The whereabouts of prominent Venezuelan human rights attorney Rocío San Miguel, her daughter and ex-husband are unknown after they were detained at the airport on Sunday, with the U.S. expressing concern.
CARACAS, Venezuela — The whereabouts of a prominent human rights attorney, her daughter and ex-husband remained unknown, days after Venezuelan authorities detained her at the airport near the capital as she and her adult child awaited a flight to Miami, setting off condemnation inside and outside the South American country.
Attorneys for lawyer and activist Rocío San Miguel, Miranda Díaz San Miguel and Victor Díaz Paruta could not locate their clients Monday at detention facilities in Caracas despite confirmation Sunday from Attorney General Tarek William Saab of San Miguel’s detention.
Authorities have not acknowledged the detention of Miranda Díaz and Victor Díaz, but a family spokeswoman told The Associated Press Monday both were last seen Saturday at Simon Bolivar International Airport where they had returned to pick up the luggage left behind after San Miguel’s detention. Two brothers of San Miguel also went missing after she was taken into custody and are presumed detained.
Amid the uncertainty, more than 200 non-governmental organizations demanded their immediate release in a letter that also urged the international community to condemn the actions against San Miguel and her family. The United States government also expressed concern.
San Miguel, 57, has specialized in studying Venezuela’s shadowy, often corrupt armed forces. She is the head the non-governmental organization Control Ciudadano, which focuses on the defense of human rights, security and the armed forces.
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