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Libertarian Leader from Ladies of Liberty Alliance Detained by Maduro’s Regime in Venezuela

As of August 6th at 9:30 pm, María Oropeza, the leader of the LOLA chapter in Portuguesa, Venezuela, was abducted from her home by the Nicolás Maduro regime. This unjust action is a direct response to María’s fearless advocacy for freedom and her active role in María Corina Machado’s campaign for a freer Venezuela.

María, a 30-year-old lawyer and activist, has dedicated her life to the principles of liberty. Now, she faces a dire situation, and we must act swiftly to ensure her safety and secure her release. We are gathering legal support with experience in defending political figures, but the costs are immense. In addition to legal fees, we urgently need to cover the expenses of getting essential supplies, such as food and supplements, to María in prison. We also need to support her mother by providing transportation and assistance, as she currently lacks a vehicle and resources to manage these challenges on her own. Basic needs, which are extremely costly in Venezuela, include paying necessary taxes and legal fees to navigate this complex situation.

LOLA Wins the Prestigious Atlas Network Prize for Championing María Oropeza’s Freedom!!!

LOLA is excited to announce a remarkable achievement! At Atlas Network’s annual Liberty Forum & Freedom Dinner, participants in the Leader Lab training program compete in the prestigious John Blundell Elevator Pitch competition. This year, LOLA won the first place prize with an outstanding 60-second pitch delivered by Anne Dias on championing Maria Oropeza’s Freedom.

Anne’s winning pitch focused on raising awareness about María Oropeza’s case, a story that resonates deeply with our mission at LOLA. María is a Venezuelan political prisoner detained under Nicolás Maduro’s oppressive regime, emblematic of the ongoing struggle for freedom in Venezuela.

Anne’s moving pitch highlighted María’s situation and emphasized the urgency of standing up for those whose voices are silenced by authoritarian regimes. Speaking on such a prominent stage and sharing María’s story was an incredible opportunity to bring this issue to light and inspire action.

Anne’s victory secured a $1,500 award for LOLA, which will be a tremendous aid in fighting for her freedom.

We are immensely grateful to the Atlas Network for providing this platform and for their invaluable support in spotlighting freedom fighters like María Oropeza. Their partnership enables meaningful progress toward liberty-focused solutions worldwide.

Please join us in celebrating LOLA’s extraordinary achievement and our commitment to advancing the ideals of freedom. Anne’s victory reminds us that one voice, when raised with conviction, can indeed change the world.

Latest Update

We are relieved to share that after more than two months without news, we’ve received an update on Maria Oropeza. Her mother was finally able to see her and confirmed that Maria is being held at El Helicoide. Despite the difficult conditions, Maria remains strong and resilient. 
LOLA has officially submitted a request to the International Court for María Oropeza’s release and received a positive response as well. This step is of paramount importance as it elevates her case to the global stage, where international law and human rights standards can be applied. Taking María’s case to an international court is not just about seeking her release; it is about shining a light on the broader issues of injustice and human rights violations in Venezuela. It sends a powerful message that the international community will not stand idly by while individuals who fight for freedom are silenced.
But the time given to Venezuela to respond wasn’t respected ( they did not respond to the comission). This is why LOLA is going to do MANY protests across the nation and world wide demanding release of Maria Oropeza
On August 10, 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Resolution 46/2024 granting precautionary measures to María Andreina Oropeza Camacho in Venezuela, whose rights it found to be at grave and urgent risk of suffering irreparable harm.
The Venezuelan military has responded by intensifying its efforts to intimidate.The General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence under Maduro’s regime has released a video of our leader Maria Oropeza after she was taken by Maduro’s police forces. You can check out the video here.
We demand the release of our leader Maria Oropeza. We demand her FREEDOM.
Despite these attempts, the fact that we were able to see and Maria is a positive development. Let’s continue to raise our voices and create waves in support of Maria. We will not remain silent
It took 36 hours to know, but we know where Maria is. and that she hasn’t endured torture.

ENGLISH

Protests

LOLA’s commitment to María’s freedom remains unwavering. Remarkable progress has been made, including taking her case to the International Court, which has elevated her plight to the global stage.

Colombia: LOLA’s activists made progress in Congress, sparking critical discussions on María’s case. Peru’s event on September 8th united advocates, amplifying the call for justice and broadening support.
Guatemala: Activities on August 31st and September 6th energized the community, drawing international attention to Venezuela’s injustices.
Mexico: The mid-September recital honored María’s courage and advocated for her freedom. Bolivia’s workshop on freedom of expression highlighted human rights issues and María’s plight.
Ecuador: Online event rallied global support from the Venezuelan community.
Uruguay: Their social media campaign garnered substantial engagement, featuring a collage and appeal to politicians. In Brazil, protests in Rio de Janeiro and Paraná showcased LOLA’s collective strength and increased pressure on the Venezuelan government.
Washington D.C: LOLA Washington, D.C.’s protest drew national attention to María’s case.
Warsaw: LOLA Poland organized a protest for Maria in Warsaw
Pakistan: LOLA Pakistan organized an online event in support of Maria on September 7.
Argentina: Discussions with human rights experts strengthened the strategy for Maria’s release.

These events have heightened the visibility of María’s situation and demonstrated the power of LOLA’s community solidarity. Each chapter’s efforts have played a crucial role in raising awareness and applying pressure, showing that we are united in our fight for justice.

Together, LOLA will continue to raise our voices and push for María’s freedom, knowing that every action makes a difference.

MARIA'S PRESS RELEASE, 2025
MARIA'S PRESS RELEASE, 2024

Media Attention

We have over 100 media appearances on Maria’s behalf from all over the world. You can check out some of them below:

FOX NEWS: Maduro crackdown on political opponents following rigged election: ‘chilled people into silence’

ABC NEWS: The CASLA Institute requests an arrest warrant against Maduro from the International Criminal Court.
REASON: ‘María Knew She Was Being Targeted’: The Arrest of a Venezuelan Activist Exposes Maduro’s Brutal Crackdown
TALCUAL: Leader of Vente Venezuela, María Oropeza, is charged with terrorism
FOLHA DE S.PAULO: The inner workings of Maduro’s repressive machine

LIBRE MEDIA: The friend of a Canadian-Venezuelan woman kidnapped by the Maduro regime
YOUTUBE: “Alexandre de Moraes must fall,” demands Rodrigo Constantino
CNN BRAZIL: Lula says he still does not recognize Maduro’s election and asserts that the Venezuelan must provide explanations
GZH: Democracy only when it suits
QUEBEC NOUVELLES: Venezuela: “The repression right now is total; it’s truly a totalitarian atmosphere” – Ana Rizo (LOLA)
IACHR and SRFOE condemn State terrorism practices in Venezuela

RZECZPOSPOLITA: Maria Oropeza Kidnapped: Lawyer Opposing Venezuelan Dictatorship Arrested

WPROST: Leader of international organization kidnapped. Maduro regime tightens repression
SPEAKFREELY: Global Organization of Libertarian Women takes International Legal Action to demand the release of Activist Maria Oropeza
NOVA.NEWS: Venezuela regional opposition leader arrested live on video
CONTRA PODER: “OPERACIÓN TUN TUN” claims more than 2000 VICTIMS | Guest: Ana Rizo
Morning Show (Brazil)
GAZETA DO POVO: Opposition denounces that Maduro regime kidnapped one of its campaign coordinators
FOLHA DE S.PAULO: Find out who is the opposition figure who filmed her own detention in Venezuela
CBN| MUNDO: María Corina Machado’s campaign manager arrested in Venezuela

See all Media Mentions

Gloria Alvarez, a Guatemalan radio and television presenter, author, and libertarian political commentator urges the ladies of liberty from all around the world to join hands and gather as much resources for Maria and her family as possible because it is unjust for Maria, or any woman, to be detained by a dictator simply for having the courage to fight for a better country and for seeking liberty for their country. Regardless of one’s stance on the Venezuelan opposition, it is completely unacceptable for a woman to be deprived of her freedom for expressing themselves freely.

Donate now:

We ask for your support of $25, $50, and $100 or more to release Maria.
We have reached our goal, but you can still contribute to the cause.

TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED:

5000
5000

Donate now to help Maria get the support that she needs and to secure her release

Donate to Free Maria

Donate now and write ‘Free Maria’ in the memo

Any contribution, no matter the size, is crucial in our fight to bring justice to María and her family.

We are gathering legal support with experience in defending political figures, but the costs are immense. In addition to legal fees, we urgently need to cover the expenses of getting essential supplies, such as food and supplements, to María in prison. We also need to support her mother by providing transportation and assistance, as she currently lacks a vehicle and resources to manage these challenges on her own. Basic needs, which are extremely costly in Venezuela, include paying necessary taxes and legal fees to navigate this complex situation

Other ways to donate:
Venmo
Paypal (please write ‘Free Maria’ in the memo)
Bank Transfer:
Bank Name: Chase Bank
Account Number: 601886727
Routing Number: 267084131
Routing Number (for wire transfer): 021000021
Swift Code: CHASUS33
LOLA Address: 712 H Street NE Suite 1644, Washington, DC- 2000

Other ways you can help: 
We encourage you to share María’s story on social media using our social media tool kit and the hashtag #FreeMariaOropeza. The more attention we can draw, the more pressure we can apply to secure her release.
Share this message in your WhatsApp groups, on social media, with media outlets, and with friends and family.
🚨👇Use these resources for posts:👇🚨
* Click here for complete resources you can use for all social media, media efforts, and more.
We urgently ask you to contact the international community, human rights organizations, influencers, politicians, family, friends, and the media in your country to help us spread this news and demand the immediate release of María Oropeza. Providing visibility and pressure to her case is crucial for her safety.

It is unjust for Maria, or any woman, to be detained by a dictator simply for having the courage to fight for a better country and for seeking liberty for their country. Regardless of one’s stance on the Venezuelan opposition, it is completely unacceptable for a woman to be deprived of her freedom for expressing themselves freely.

Media Inquiries: 

Please contact Ana Rizo at ana.rizo@ladiesofliberty.org 

Questions or requests about the LOLA Free Maria Campaign?:

Please contact Estela Martinez at estela@ladiesofliberty.org

Video of Maria Oropeza’s detention:

Maria Oropeza, leader of LOLA Venezuela, was brutally kidnapped by police forces of Maduro’s regime at her home in Portuguesa state at 9:30pm EST, Tuesday August 6, 2024.
Maria has been a political activist who was advocating for a free Venezuela since last 14 years. She worked alongside the leader of the opposition Maria Corina Machado and played a crucial role being an ambitious and consistent leader.
Maria Oropeza was kidnapped by Maduro’s regime agents without a judicial order.
We still don’t know her whereabouts, and it’s crucial to spread this news to ensure her release.

Please share this video on your social media, with media outlets, and with friends and family #FREEMARIAOROPEZA

Donate to Free Maria

We need your help! Maria Oropeza needs your help! We won’t remain silent

Thank you for your support.