Seminarians beaten by mob in Venezuela

July 04, 2016

Five seminarians were beaten, and one of them required hospitalization, when a gang attacked students in Merida, Venezuela.

Bishop Baltazar Porras Cardozo of Merida condemned the attack, saying that it demonstrates the failure of the government. He observed that while the seminarians were beaten, stripped, and harassed, "there were no security forces that should ensure the protection and physical, moral, and spiritual welfare of the citizens."

The Venezuelan hierarchy has been increasingly critical of the government as the country's economy has plummeted, shortages have become widespread, and violence increasingly frequent. 

 

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Further information:

• Mgr. Baltazar Porras: Attack on students and seminarians: "This violence disqualifies the government" (Fides)
• Venezuelan prelate raps government's refusal to acknowledge economic crisis, accept foreign aid