Press Statement by Heather Nauert
Department Spokesperson
Washington, DC
July 8, 2017
The United States welcomes the transfer of Leopoldo Lopez to house arrest after more than three years in prison. This is a significant step in the right direction by the government of Venezuela. We reiterate our call for the full restoration of Mr. Lopez’s liberty and his political rights.
Mr. Lopez is just one of more than 400 political prisoners being tracked today in Venezuela by the independent Foro Penal. We call for the immediate release of these prisoners and the full restoration of their rights as Venezuelan citizens.
Our thoughts and prayers reside with all who have suffered during Venezuela’s political crisis. We underscore our call for an end to the conflict and repression that have consumed Venezuela, and urge all parties to commit themselves to a peaceful resolution of this dispute that respects Venezuela’s constitution, its democratic institutions, and the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people.
(end statement)