Throughout Venezuela’s slow descent into its current political and humanitarian crisis, the country’s most famous musical ambassador has chosen to remain largely silent.
Venezuelan police fire teargas at street protesters – in pictures
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But following the death of a 17-year-old boy during a crackdown against anti-government protestors, the acclaimed conductor Gustavo Dudamel has denounced president Nicolas Maduro for the violent repression.
At least 36 people, including supporters and opponents of the government, have been killed in more than a month of unrest triggered by Maduro’s efforts to consolidate his rule.
“I raise my voice against violence. I raise my voice against any form of repression. Nothing justifies bloodshed,” Dudamel wrote in a Facebook post.
“I urgently call on the president of the republic and the national government to rectify and listen to the voice of the Venezuelan people. Times cannot be defined by the blood of our people.
“It is time to listen to the people: Enough is enough.”
Dudamel, the director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, had until now largely avoided speaking out about the economic, social and political crisis rocking his country. He has served as a poster boy for the acclaimed music education program El Sistema, which is credited with taking music to hundreds of thousands of children, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Dudamel’s statement came a day after Armando Canizales, 17, was killed during clashes between protesters and the national guard.
Canizales, who played the violin in an El Sistema orchestra, died after being shot in the neck. Footage of the incident shows the youngster wearing a motorcycle helmet and gas mask, before a line of national guards in riot gear.
Dudamel does not mention Canizales in his statement, but the child’s name is emblazoned across a black heading above the post.
Because El Sistema is largely funded by the Venezuelan government, many have accused Dudamel of being complacent with a government that is increasingly being perceived as authoritarian.
His silence in the face of deteriorating conditions in Venezuela has earned him the anger and scorn of those who oppose Maduro. They accuse the conductor of failing to use his international prominence to push for change.
In his statement, Dudamel urged political leaders to stop the violence, but also directed much of his criticism at Maduro’s decision this week to convoke a constituent assembly to rewrite the country’s constitution.
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