WASSERMAN SCHULTZ ON REPORTS OF LEOPOLDO LOPEZ RELEASE

(Sunrise, Fla.) — U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement after reports that Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez had been released from a military prison and would be held under house arrest:

“I am extremely heartened by news that the courageous Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez has been released. I know his return home will bring much comfort and relief to his children and wife, Lilian Tintori. However, at a minimum, this must serve as a first step toward a series of essential political reforms that must be made by the Maduro regime. We cannot forget those who still remain unjustly detained as political prisoners in Venezuela, or lose sight of the dangerous daily struggle and sacrifices of the Venezuelan community, who fight not only for democratic reforms, but for the basic survival of their families. I stand with the Venezuelan people and Venezuelan-Americans who continue their quest for free and fair elections and human rights for all Venezuelans.”

“Me siento extremadamente alentada con la noticia de que el valiente líder de la oposición venezolana, Leopoldo López, ha sido liberado. Sé que su retorno a casa le dará gran alivio y consuelo a sus hijos y a su esposa, Lilian Tintori. Sin embargo, como mínimo, esto debe servir como un primer paso hacia una serie de reformas políticas esenciales que deben ser realizadas por el régimen de Maduro. No podemos olvidar a aquellos que permanecen injustamente detenidos como presos políticos en Venezuela, ni perder de vista la peligrosa lucha y sacrificios diarios de la comunidad venezolana, que lucha no sólo por reformas democráticas, pero por la supervivencia básica de sus familias. Estoy con el pueblo venezolano y los venezolanos-americanos que continúan luchando por elecciones libres y justas y por los derechos humanos para todo venezolano.”

####