Caracas, Venezuela, Oct 6, 2003 / 22:00 pm
The Bishops Conference of Venezuela issued an strong statement Monday condemning the raid by local police forces of the parish of Our Lady of Fatima in the Eastern region of Barquisimeto, in a supposed search for anti-government material and activity.
“We wish to express our strongest protest against the subjection of the parish facilities to these irregular procedures,” the bishops stated, demanding “an official investigation into the matter” as well.
The bishops also expressed their “concern about the seizure of equipment belonging to Globovisión by the National Telecommunications Commission on October 3, 2003, an act which limits Venezuelans’ right to know.”
The country’s bishops also expressed their solidarity with “the families of those employees of the oil industry who have lost their jobs,” demanding that “authorities responsible for preserving the rule of law look into these matters,” including recent acts of terrorism which have targeted various institutions such as the Church.