|
|
The accused perpetrator, Luis Carrera Almoina, had been previously arrested for torturing his then partner Linda Loaiza's case was deferred by the justice system 29 times and 59 judges declined to prosecute the man accused of torturing her. In August of 2004, nearly three years had passed since Carrera Almoina was charged with attempted homicide, rape and torture, and the case was approaching an expiration date, after which the accused would walk free of charges. In response, Loaiza staged a hunger strike on the steps of the Supreme Court. After 13 days on the steps, the media attention and social pressure Linda generated caused the Supreme Tribunal for Justice (the country's highest judicial body) to call for a trial to begin.
In an attempt to exploit an outrageous piece of the Venezuelan Penal Code which calls for a reduced sentence for crimes against sex workers, Carrera Almoina's defense claimed that Loaiza was part of a prostitution ring. If sentenced to jail time, Carrera Almoina would have only have had to serve a fifth of the normal sentence. No evidence was presented in support of these claims, and Loaiza has consistently denied them. Nevertheless, on October 21, 2004, the judge acquitted Carrera Almoina and his father of all charges, citing a "lack of evidence”, and ordered an investigation of Loaiza, her father and sister for prostitution. Ruling Appealed Loaiza and her attorney immediately appealed the ruling. In a statement, Loaiza affirmed, "I'm determined not to give up and to keep fighting for justice. I think many women in Venezuela and in the whole world have been through similar experiences and keep their suffering in silence for fear of the The Venezuelan women's movement, including PLAFAM, IPPF/WHR's member association in Venezuela, mobilized to raise awareness of the case and to provide legal and emotional support to Linda Loaiza in her fight for a new trial. On April 12, 2005, the seventh court of appeals annulled the verdict and called for a new trial. PLAFAM continues to raise awareness in the media and in public forums so that the same delays and corrupt measures will not be employed again. Securing Human Rights Support Linda Loaiza's Struggle for Justice IPPF/WHR, in partnership with the Venezuelan Women's Movement, calls for international support of Linda Loaiza, including ensuring her right to a timely and fair trial. Please join us by clicking here now to send a letter to key officials in Venezuela's judicial system. |
 Privacy Policy |
Contact Us
|
A Violation of Human Rights
in 1999. He is the son of a Gustavo Carrera Damas, who at the time was president of a major university in Caracas. After being detained and put under house arrest, Carrera Almoina attempted to flee with the help of his father. He was captured the next day, and his father was later charged with obstructing judicial action.
Injustice Rules
torture they will have to once again undergo, this time in the hands of the judicial system.” The district attorney supported the appeal, and had already noted irregularities during the trial, including illegally submitted evidence by the defense. 
seeking justice from state institutions. As a signatory of international human rights agreements, including the Convention of Belem do Para, and the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man regulated by the Organization of American States, the Venezuelan government guarantees every woman "the right to simple and prompt recourse to a competent court for protection against acts that violate her rights” and agrees to "undertake to establish the necessary legal and administrative mechanisms to ensure that women subjected to violence have effective access to restitutions, reparations or other just and effective remedies.”