Carlos Correa, a renowned professor and researcher at the Human Rights Center of the Andrés Bello Catholic University and Executive Director of the NGO, Espacio Público, was abducted on January 7th by alleged state officials who forced him into an unmarked vehicle, and he has not been seen since. The Committee is concerned and asks the Venezuelan government to disclose his location.
Ifex: Venezuela: Forced disappearance of human rights defender Carlos Correa continue reading
Honorable Tarek William Saab Halabi
Prosecutor General of Venezuela
Via Embassy of Venezuela in Washington, DC
1099 30th Street NW #2
Washington, DC 20007
Phone: (202) 627-1444
Email: consular@venezuela-us.org
January 14, 2025
Your Honor Tarek William Saab Halabi,
The Committee of Concerned Scientists is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.
We are writing regarding Carlos Correa, a renowned professor and researcher at the Human Rights Center of the Andrés Bello Catholic University and Executive Director of the non-governmental human rights organization, Espacio Público. On January 7th, Correa was in Caracas when he was allegedly intercepted by state officials who were dressed in black with their faces covered and who did not provide identification. They forced him into an unmarked vehicle, and he has not been seen since.
Correa has spent more than twenty years defending human rights and freedom of expression for Venezuelans. The Committee is concerned by his disappearance. Correa’s arrest appears to be an attempt by the government to silence his work and to discourage others from following his lead. Since his arrest, he has not been in touch with his family or trusted legal advisors.
Correa’s arrest has been criticized by governments and human rights organizations throughout the world. The Committee is concerned that he was accused of nonexistent crimes and imprisoned solely for his political activism. We write to urge the government to disclose the whereabouts of Carlos Correa and to allow him to contact his family and lawyers.
Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. We will be closely following developments in this case.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Paul H. Plotz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
CC:
Antony J. Blinken
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520 USA
Phone: (202) 647-4000
X: @ABlinken