Leopoldo Lopez

“We must not allow the practices of an anti-democratic State that abuses the powers of government to violate the human rights of Venezuelans.”

“A national primary election would electrify the people and give them a larger stake in the outcome.”

“The infrastructure, institutions and social fabric of Venezuela are deteriorating, and people realize the Chavez government has been the problem, not the solution.”

“Our arguments - and those of hundreds more Venezuelans suffering the same injustice - are clear and forceful: political disqualification violates laws in Venezuela and throughout the continent.”

“Repressive regimes do not endure change willingly - and Venezuela is no exception.”

“The fundamental problem is that there's no credibility in the judicial system, which is a system that's been completely politicized. This is retaliation and selective repression.”