Hoyer Statement on the Indictment of Maria Corina Machado

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after democracy activist and former Venezuelan Congresswoman Maria Corina Machado was indicted on politically-motivated charges:

"Maria Corina Machado has been a tireless advocate for civil rights and human rights in Venezuela.   She received the prestigious Charles T. Manatt Award last month from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems for her tireless work to make government more open and accountable in her country at a ceremony I was proud to attend.  I have met Congresswoman Machado and am inspired by her commitment to greater transparency and democracy in Venezuela.

“For these reasons, I was deeply disturbed to learn of the charges against her, just as I am about the deteriorating political situation in Venezuela, of which Congresswoman Machado’s indictment is indicative.  Regardless of the outcome of her prosecution, I am concerned by what appears to be the Venezuelan government’s continuing effort to intimidate its political opponents through a systematic abuse of the legal process. 

"I will be tracking this situation closely, and I join with many others around the world in urging the Maduro government to ensure that Congresswoman Machado is treated fairly and that opponents of the Venezuelan government are given the opportunity to voice their grievances without retribution - and have those grievances addressed by their government in a responsible manner."