The US government on Tuesday expressed concern about possible political pressure to Franklin Nieves, a former prosecutor Leopoldo Lopez of the Venezuelan opposition, saying that they question the "judicial independence in Venezuela," reports El Nuevo Herald
The State Department spokesman, John Kirby, reacted in a statement to the statements of Nieves, who for more than a year was spent with two other prosecutors to make accusations against Lopez.
Nieves, who was removed as prosecutor on Monday, reported on Friday a video in which he announced that he had left Venezuela because of "pressure" who said he suffered the Executive and his superiors to accuse López with "false evidence".
"If they are true, these statements underscore the lack of judicial independence and adherence to due process in Venezuela," said Kirby.
"We call on the Venezuelan government to respect the rights of all political prisoners and ensure fair and transparent public trial, according to the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man, the Inter-American Democratic Charter (...) and the Venezuelan Constitution" the spokesman added.
Kirby reiterated the US demand "that the Venezuelan government to release all Venezuelans jailed for political reasons, including Leopoldo Lopez".
In remarks published Tuesday by The Wall Street Journal, he reiterated Nieves Lopez's trial must be annulled because political prison since February 2014 and sentenced last month to nearly 14 years in prison is "innocent."
"From my heart, I apologize to Venezuela, Leopoldo Lopez and his wife and family, and especially their children," Nieves said.
According to the Daily News, Nieves is "with his wife and two daughters in Miami, where the family seeks political asylum."
On Monday, the Attorney General of Venezuela, Luisa Ortega, denied allegations Nieves and ruled that they will have a "legal consequence" that benefits Lopez.