Family of former mayor Javier Oropeza denounces SEBIN harassment

María Yolanda Oropeza, sister of former Torres municipality mayor Javier Oropeza, has issued an urgent plea to international human rights organizations regarding the alleged harassment and persecution of her family by the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) and other state security forces in Barquisimeto, Venezuela.

The allegations follow the recent detention of Javier Oropeza, who was intercepted by the National Bolivarian Police Intelligence Directorate (DIE-PNB) near the El Informador newspaper. After being held for six hours, he was released under precautionary measures. María Yolanda Oropeza reported suffering physical injuries during a struggle with agents and expressed fear for the safety of her children, who reside in the United States.

The family is requesting intervention from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and has called upon international figures, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and legislator María Elvira Salazar, to bring attention to their situation.