Terrorist group attacks Apostolic Nunciature in Venezuela

Caracas, Venezuela, Jan 20, 2009 / 13:08 pm

The terrorist group known as “La Piedrita” launched six tear gas canisters inside the Apostolic Nunciature in Venezuela, taking advantage of the lack of security that the Venezuelan government is obligated to provide.  The latest attacks were the sixth time the Nunciature has been the target of such attacks.

According to the Catholic Daily of Venezuela, members of the group “La Piedrita” (The Little Rock) also threw pamphlets in support of the Chavez government into the Nunciature.  Officials said there were no serious injuries or that no damage was done during the attacks.  “Our house is surrounded by an extensive garden and this protected those of us who live here,” said a nun from the Nunciature who requested to remain anonymous.

Attorney Tamara Suju, who represents Nixon Moreno, a refugee at the Nunciature since 2007, told the Catholic Daily that the tear gas bombs were made by the Anonymous Venezuelan Military Industries Company.

Suju also explained that the pamphlets contained insults against Archbishop Ubaldo Santana, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Venezuela, and Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino of Caracas, accusing them of taking advantage of the faith of the people.

Suju said the attacks were part of an “escalation of violence against democratic aspects of Venezuela” and that the Chavez government “is washing its hands by saying that (La Piedrita) is an out-of-control group.”  She said it is part of the National Armed Forces, which provides cover for the group.