WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Pete Olson (R-TX) released the following statement after the detention of Robert Marrero, a senior advisor to Venezuela’s rightful President Juan Guaido, by the forces of deposed President Nicolas Maduro:
“I am deeply concerned by what appears to be a kidnapping launched by forces loyal to Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela is a failed state and Mr. Maduro is no longer the leader of Venezuela. If he truly loved Venezuela, he would work with President Guaido on a peaceful transition that brings stability, safety, security and basic supplies to the Venezuelan people instead of kidnapping political opponents. The reign of destruction and terror by former President Maduro is over. I am pleased that the Trump Administration continues to sanction the Maduro regime in an effort to force much needed changes. My heart goes out to the millions of folks who are hurting because of his horrible dictatorship. The people of Venezuela deserve better than Nicolas Maduro’s failed socialist experiments and I hope that Robert Marrero and all the others who have fallen victim to Maduro’s ‘leadership’ are freed. In the interim, I support efforts to bring emergency humanitarian aid to the region and the innocent people of Venezuela.”