Former Latin presidents press Venezuela on rights

Former leaders from Spain and Latin America called Monday on Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro to free political prisoners, "respect fundamental rights and liberties" and create a climate for political dialogue. The statement issued by 27 former leaders, followed Venezuela's refusal on Friday to grant two former presidents access to prisons holding opposition leaders Leopoldo Lopez and Daniel Ceballos. The two have been jailed since early 2014, accused of inciting mass protests that led to months of clashes with police and government supporters in which 43 people were killed, mostly protesters. "We urge the Venezuelan authorities to create a climate of dialogue and peace that reverses the evident noxious tendencies that affect the fundamental freedoms and rights of all Venezuelans," the statement said. More…