The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) strongly condemns the arbitrary detention of university professor and human rights defender in Venezuela, Rocío San Miguel, since Friday, February 9. The professor was preparing to travel to Spain with her daughter when she was approached by agents of the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) and the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) at the International Airport of Maiquetía, Venezuela.
In an informal communication on his X account on Sunday, February 11, Venezuela's Attorney General informed of her arrest and linked it to suspicions of one of the alleged ongoing assassinations being investigated by the government. However, Professor San Miguel has always been known and respected for the seriousness of her investigations, the weight of her statements and her constant activity in favor of dialogue and negotiation processes. As of February 12, the Attorney General continued to provide no information, neither publicly nor to her lawyers or family, about the reasons for her detention, where she is being held, or her health. At the time of writing, her whereabouts remain unknown.
About LASA
The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) is the largest professional association in the world for individuals and institutions engaged in the study of Latin America. With over 13,000 members, over 60% of whom reside outside the United States, LASA is the one association that brings together experts on Latin America from all disciplines and diverse occupational endeavors, across the globe. LASA's mission is to foster intellectual discussion, research, and teaching on Latin America, the Caribbean, and its people throughout the Americas, promote the interests of its diverse membership, and encourage civic engagement through network building and public debate.
If you wish to interview a LASA Executive Council member, you can contact the LASA communications office at (412) 648-7929 or send an email to lasa@lasaweb.org.