Venezuela 07/03/11
Union leader Rubén González released from jail and radical activist and Chávez supporter Lina Ron dies of a heart attack aged 51.
Syndicalist leader Rubén González has been released following mass protests in Ciudad Guyana.
On Monday, González – who is president of workers’ union Ferreminas – was sentenced to seven years, six months, 22 days and 12 hours for leading a strike at the state ore mining company in 2009.
However, pressure from trade unions and workers led to his release on Thursday as hundreds of activists staged a protest outside Patrulleros del Caroní, the police station where he was being held.
He will be required to present himself to authorities once a fortnight.
Upon reclaiming his freedom, González thanked God for allowing him good health during his 17-month stay in prison.
He also thanked the workforce in the states of Guayana and Aricagua, who he said have shown continuous support throughout the ordeal.
Felipe Rodríguez and Silvio Mérida, who student movements claim to be political prisoners, were also released on Friday. Lorent Saleh, instigator of national hunger strikes and leader of youth organisation Juventud Activa Venezuela Unida (United Youth Movement of Venezuela – Javu), declared the release a victory for all Venezuelans.
Radical activist Lina Ron has died of a heart attack aged 51.
Ron, who was a militant follower of President Chávez, founded political party Unidad Popular Venezolana (Venezuelan Popular Union – UPV) which currently supports ruling party Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (United Socialist Party of Venezuela – PSUV).
She first appeared in public shortly after 11 September 2001, when burning an American flag in the centre of Caracas in an attack against imperialism.
Her remains are currently held in Andrés Eloy Blanco square in the capital, where supporters can mourn her death publicly.
President Chávez paid his condolences in person on Sunday, accompanied by several cabinet members.
‘You will never die’, Chávez said in response to cries from the public. ‘We declare you alive and alive you will be forever in the struggles, in the songs, in the battles and in the victories of the Venezuelan people.’
Her funeral was planned to take place on Sunday evening.
