In an incident that reflects the escalating political crisis in Venezuela, officials of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) detained Father Elvis Cabarca, a priest from the town of Machiques in the state of Zulia. The clergyman was arrested while leading a prayer session in a San Benito chapel in the area, according to independent Venezuelan media. This incident underscores the deteriorating human rights situation in Venezuela, where arbitrary detentions have become increasingly common.
Venezuela held presidential elections on July 28, with Nicolas Maduro running for a third six-year term. While the main opposition candidate was not allowed to stand, it’s widely believed that the opposition still managed to win in a landslide. Nevertheless, Maduro declared victory.
Father Cabarca was reportedly in the chapel leading a rosary prayer session when GNB officers attempted to arrest him, said Efecto Cocuyo. In an effort to protect himself, the priest got into a pickup truck. However, GNB officers responded by bringing a tow truck to take the vehicle with Father Cabarca still inside.
News of his arrest spread quickly, prompting parishioners to gather at the GNB headquarters in Machiques to demand the immediate release of their priest.