Municipal councillor Fernando Albán died in the custody of the Venezuelan secret service. We are deeply shocked and concerned by his death. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Every state has a duty to ensure the safety and freedom from bodily harm of its citizens in detention. The Federal Government therefore expects a rapid, transparent and independent investigation to be conducted all the more urgently into the circumstances surrounding Fernando Albán’s death.

We call on the Venezuelan Government to ensure the protection of all detainees and to guarantee fair and transparent trials in accordance with the rule of law.