The municipal councillor Fernando Albán has died while in the custody of Venezuelan Intelligence Service (SEBIN). We express our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

It is the duty of the State to ensure the safety and physical integrity of all people in custody, so we now expect a thorough and independent investigation to clarify the circumstances of councillor Albán's tragic death.

We also expect the Venezuelan government to respect the human rights of all those in custody, as well as due process and the rule of law. The EU reiterates its call to the Venezuelan government to release all political prisoners.