Washington, d.c. (December 12, 2024) – The McCain Institute’s McCain Global Leaders Alumni Network released the following statement regarding the kidnapping and disappearance of 2023 McCain Global Leader and renowned Venezuelan opposition leader Jesús Armas by the regime of Nicolás Maduro.
“We, the 136 McCain Global Leaders from 83 countries, stand in solidarity with our colleague and dear friend Jesús Armas who has been wrongfully kidnapped and detained by the government of Venezuela. We call on the Maduro regime to immediately release Armas, who has been disappeared in an attempt to silence opposition to Maduro’s fraudulent election and numerous human rights abuses.
“Armas represents the true spirit of the McCain Global Leaders program and our network of McCain Global Leaders. He has routinely risked his life and his own personal freedom to fight for democracy and human rights in Venezuela. He is an example and a beacon of hope to not just his fellow McCain Global Leaders, but to young activists and freedom fighters around the world.”
Armas is a Venezuelan political leader and 2023 McCain Global Leader who has dedicated his career to promoting democracy and human rights in his country. As the president of Ciudadanía Sin Límites, Armas has been at the forefront of grassroots mobilization efforts to increase equitable access to water and energy, as well as using technology to map and record power and water supply failures in Caracas. Armas has an extensive background in public service, having served as a member of the City Council for five years from 2013 to 2018 and being a pre-candidate for Mayor of Caracas. He is also a director of the political party Primero Justicia, which promotes freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Read his full bio here.
About the McCain Global Leaders Program
The McCain Institute’s McCain Global Leaders Program supports character-driven leaders from around the world who embody Senator John McCain’s legacy of serving a cause greater than oneself. Structured as a 12-month fellowship and immersive learning experience, each cohort includes 25 leaders from around the world who are working “in the arena” to advance democracy, human rights, and freedom. The program is designed to advance each leader’s personal and professional leadership journey by providing training, resources, and access to highly relevant regional and global networks with the goal of preparing today’s leaders to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights and freedom, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
