Wilmer Azuaje Denounces Alleged Siege on Family in Caracas After Return from Exile

Former Venezuelan lawmaker Wilmer Azuaje has denounced what he describes as an armed siege against his family in Caracas, occurring just 48 hours after his return to Venezuela following seven years in exile. Azuaje, who has been a vocal critic of the government, stated that a group of armed men targeted his son and nephews at their residence.

“

They have my sister's children, armed motorcyclists. They damaged the cars.

In a social media broadcast, Azuaje detailed that eight armed individuals on motorcycles gained entry to his family's residential complex after overpowering security guards. Although they could not reach the apartment itself, Azuaje claims they caused property damage, including to vehicles, and left his family in a state of threat. "They have my sister's children, armed motorcyclists. They damaged the cars," Azuaje stated, adding that his relatives, including women and children, were "subjected right now, locked in an apartment."

“

They are young people, they are subjected right now locked in an apartment. Eight motorcyclists with weapons entered, they subdued the guards. They entered, they destroyed their car, they exploded the tires, they attacked my family and they are in danger.

Azuaje expressed alarm that despite the severity of the reported events, no response had been received from state security agencies at the time of his public statement. "This is the hour when no one has arrived. Security forces have not arrived at the apartment where they are," he said. He believes these actions are intended to intimidate him and his close circle as he re-engages with political activity within Venezuela.

“

This is the hour in which no one has arrived. Security forces have not arrived at the apartment where they are.

Having returned to Venezuela on Sunday via Maiquetía International Airport, Azuaje declared his intention to continue pursuing the "democratic reconstruction" of the country. He holds state security forces responsible for any harm that might befall him or his family. Azuaje, who left Venezuela in 2019 after breaking with the ruling party and becoming a critic, has recently voiced support for opposition leader María Corina Machado and other opposition initiatives.

“

I hold the state security forces responsible for any attack against my physical integrity or that of my family environment. They will not take us off the path of democratic reconstruction.