The human rights lawyer Edwin Sambrano Vidal was presented on the night of Sunday, April 13, before a court based in Caracas.after having been detained over the weekend at the Santo Domingo del Táchira airport.
During the hearing, held electronically, the judge issued freedom with substitute precautionary measures, which include the prohibition of leaving the country and a regime of periodic appearance before courtsaccording to the Committee for the Freedom of Social Fighters.
The arrest occurred when Sambrano was trying to board a flight to Caracas. Officials detained him alleging the existence of an arrest warrant issued by the 3rd Terrorism Court.
Teresa Sandoval, the lawyer’s wife, publicly denounced what happened and asked for support from the international community and actors linked to the defense of fundamental rights.
“I ask for collaboration and help from all colleagues, from all people who defend human rights (…) to please participate, act and be active regarding this,” he expressed through a video on social networks.
For its part, The Committee for the Freedom of Social Fighters rejected both the arrest and the measures imposed, considering that they are part of a pattern of persecution.
“Enough of criminalizing and intimidating human rights defenders,” said the organization, which described the case as an example of “the regime’s intimidation of anyone who questions it.”
Who is Edwin Sambrano?
Edwin Sambrano Vidal is a labor lawyer, former constituent and leader of the Democratic Trade Union Alliance of Venezuela. According to versions released after his arrest, he could face accusations related to terrorism and inciting hatred.
His arrest occurs a few days after the repression against workers and union leaders during the April 9 mobilization in Caracas, in which wage improvements and respect for labor rights were demanded.
Various social, union and human rights organizations have expressed their rejection of what they consider to be a continuation of political persecution in the country and have demanded an end to these practices.
