PUBLIC AI Index:
AMR 53/010/2003
6 June 2003
Further Information on UA 130/03 (AMR
53/007/2003, 9 May 2003) and follow-up
(AMR 53/009/2003, 15 May) - Death Threats/Fear
for Safety
VENEZUELA Miguel Díaz Loreto (m)
Dinorah María Díaz Loreto (f)
Jairo Alexis Díaz Loreto (m)
Bladimir Díaz Loreto (m)
Alexandra Gualdron (f)
Killed: Enmary Cava (f)
On 26 May, Enmary Cava died in hospital in the
town of Cagua, Aragua state. She had been in
hospital in a critical condition after being shot
six times by an unidentified man on 10 May. A
female friend who was with her when she was shot
is still in a critical condition in hospital.
On 27 May, a judge in the town of Cagua ordered
the authorities to ensure the protection of
Dinorah María Díaz Loreto, Alexandra Gualdrón and
Jairo Alexander Díaz Loreto. However, it is not
clear what measures will be taken and when they
will begin. Amnesty International is concerned
that no measures were ordered to protect Enmary
Cava's injured friend, witnesses to the killings
of Robert Díaz Loreto, Antonio Díaz Loreto and
Octavio Ignacio Díaz, and other members of Enmary
Cava's family including Miguel Díaz Loreto and
Bladimir Díaz Loreto.
It is believed that the attack against Enmary Cava
and her friend may be related to the increasing
number of death threats received by Enmary Cava
and members of her family, allegedly from agents
of the Aragua State Police.
The family members had been pressing the local
authorities to carry out an exhaustive
investigation into the killings of brothers Robert
Díaz Loreto, Antonio Díaz Loreto and their father,
Octavio Ignacio Díaz. The three men were killed in
suspicious circumstances by agents of the Aragua
State Police on 6 January. Family members claim
that the Aragua State Prosecutors Office has
failed to carry out an exhaustive, impartial and
prompt investigation into the killings and police
have reportedly been unwilling to cooperate with
the investigation.
According to reports, detention orders may be
issued next week against seven police officials
for the killings of the three men. Local human
rights groups have, however, expressed concern
that insufficient time has been given for
collecting evidence against the officials, thus
running the risk of acquittal on grounds of
insufficient evidence.
FURTHER
http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGAMR530102003?open&of=ENG-VEN