Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez's statement on Venezuelan protests
(MIAMI, February 28, 2014) – Among the principles of a democratic society is the right to free expression, especially when it comes to allowing opposition and protest to government action. For the past several weeks, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has abandoned these principles through his violent actions against student protestors, and going so far as to arrest opposition leader, former Mayor of Chacao, Leopoldo Lopez.
I firmly stand with all freedom loving Venezuelan people who wish to exercise their inalienable right to protest against the government of Mr. Maduro. I also express my deepest sympathy to the family of those who have been killed by the Venezuelan government during these protests.
Many of us in Miami-Dade County have experienced the effects of tyranny, which is why we join our Venezuelan community in opposing the actions of Mr. Maduro, and to promote peace and unity in Venezuela, and throughout the world.