Venezuelan Journalist Orlando Avendaño a Victim of Persecution by Maduro Regime
Concern has been raised this Monday, April 1, following a complaint issued by Venezuelan journalist Orlando Avendaño on his social networks, stating that he is a victim of persecution by the Nicolás Maduro regime. Former Colombian president Álvaro Uribe has called for the protection of the journalist and “other dissidents of Venezuela.”
In a statement on his X account, Uribe emphasized that “Colombia honors the democratic tradition and protects this journalist and the other dissidents in Venezuela.” Avendaño rejected the accusation of preparing an assassination, stating that talking to and knowing the former president is not a crime.
Avendaño expressed his distress over the situation, claiming that Maduro and his supporters are orchestrating efforts to silence him. This comes after a group of officials from the intelligence service of Venezuela reportedly raided Avendaño’s parents’ house and seized electronic equipment.
Furthermore, the attorney general of Venezuela, Tarek William Saab, announced an investigation against Avendaño, accusing him of various crimes, including conspiring to carry out an alleged assassination with former Colombian president Álvaro Uribe. Avendaño, who currently resides in the United States, refuted these accusations in a video posted on his social media account, emphasizing that his only crime is exercising his freedom of expression as a journalist.
Regarding the allegations made against him, Avendaño clarified that his comments on social media were expressions of freedom and rebellion, not incitements to violence. He also dismissed claims of receiving payments from opposition leader María Corina Machado, stating that his support for her is independent and organic.
Avendaño concluded by denouncing the persecution he is facing, highlighting that this is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of harassment against journalists who express dissenting views outside of Venezuela. The journalist remains determined to continue his work and uphold his right to freedom of expression.