Official statement on aggressions committed by Venezuelans to military personnel in Boa Vista, Roraima

The Venezuelan Ambassador in Brazil, María Teresa Belandria, spoke out against the violent acts that occurred in the city of Boa Vista on Saturday, May 2nd, in which a group of Venezuelan citizens attacked police and military officials and destroyed a Brazilian Army vehicle, stating the following:

Our total repudiation of the use of violence against any person, in this case, against military volunteers belonging to Operation Acolhida, which provides humanitarian assistance to Venezuelan migrants in Brazil.

Our respect and support to the security protocols and rules of coexistence, established by the Army and other agencies participating in the Acolhida Operation for the proper functioning of the shelters.

Our desire that justice prevails and that those responsible be punished in accordance with the law.

We clarify that the refugee status does not exempt the victimizers from their criminal responsibility and they must be brought to justice.

We are sure that the unacceptable behavior of a few will not harm the relations of friendship and fraternity between Brazil and Venezuela. We are together.

Brasilia, May 4th, 2020
María Teresa Belandria, Venezuelan Ambassador to Brazil