Jesús Armas is pictured center with fellow 2023 McCain Global Leaders.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 11, 2024) – The McCain Institute calls for the immediate release of 2023 McCain Global Leader and renowned Venezuelan opposition leader Jesús Armas, who was kidnapped and disappeared by the regime of Nicholas Maduro on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. Armas has been a leading voice in opposition to the corrupt and manufactured July 28 election results, which the international community condemned as fraudulent. Despite the risk to his own freedom, Armas led protests against the Maduro regime in the past few months, engaged with international partners, and led public vigils for political prisoners in Venezuela.
Through the McCain Global Leaders program, the McCain Institute has worked with Armas to raise awareness of the atrocities and human rights abuses occurring in Venezuela, as well as supported him in his efforts to restore democracy and ensure freedom for his fellow Venezuelans.
“Jesús Armas must be freed immediately by the illegitimate Maduro regime,” said Dr. Evelyn N. Farkas, executive director of the McCain Institute. “Jesús’ unjustified detainment is an attempt to silence the millions of Venezuelans who are fighting for democracy and freedom in the lead-up to the January inauguration of Venezuela’s next president. The McCain Institute stands with Jesús and other courageous leaders, including Edmundo González, the rightfully elected president of Venezuela.
“The McCain Institute condemns any unjustified imprisonment or disappearance of political and human rights activists and will continue to advocate for the release of the wrongfully detained, in Venezuela and all around the world.”
“Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to work with Jesús and support him in his tireless efforts for a free Venezuela,” said Scott Nemeth, assistant director of global leadership at the McCain Institute. “He has put his own life on the line in service of the Venezuelan people and has worked selflessly in opposition to the Maduro regime. Having just met with him, I can say he represents the best of the global community and is a direct representative of the ideals and values that Senator McCain stood for. He needs to be released now.”
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.
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