Rebel PDVSA executive claims political persecution

Posted: Thursday, March 06, 2003 By: Robert Rudnicki

Rebel Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) executive and strike leader Juan Fernandez claims that he and his fellow strike leaders are being politically persecuted by the government for their role in bringing the petroleum sector to its knees in December and January.

For this reason, Fernandez says he will not be turning himself in, despite an arrest warrant having been issued, because he has no faith in a judicial system "that violates fundamental human rights."

Fernandez also criticized the government for trying to turn PDVSA into a tool of the revolution and for firing over 13,000 workers who supported the strike action.

The rebel executive also called on the Venezuelan public to remain in the streets and to continue protesting and demonstrating against the government.