Nixon Moreno: Venezuela

Status:
Due to criminal allegations, has fled the country and is living in exile in Peru.

Activism:
Leader of the M-13 student group and former President of the Student Federation. Nixon has been accused of raping a local police woman, Sofia Aguilar, and wounding several policemen. There has been plenty of evidence to refute these accusations. He led a protest in 2006 against a Court decision which suspended the election of the Student Federation.

Current Situation in Country:
Chavez has publicly presumed Moreno as guilty. He was granted asylum by the Vatican in 2008, although the government continues to publicize his guilt and demand his return. Freedom of speech and right of choice in Venezuela has been repeatedly withheld; young people have been organizing to fight this. In fact, many students mobilized street marches in protest of the treatment of Nixon and many were badly injured by government forces during these protests. Recent successes were seen in the September elections when youth mobilized mass “get out the vote” campaign and were able build a majority support for the dissident party.

Suggestions for Action:
Publish a letter of support for the Student Federation of Venezuela and the critical work that they contribute to democracy for Venezuela.

Send letters to local embassies demanding that the government address human rights violations toward young activists, and clear Nixon of wrongful charges so that he can return home.

Make a solidarity video for Nixon to show that even though he has been forced from his home, he has not been forgotten.