Former Colombian mayor who helped Guaido, accused of graft

Caracas, September 23 (RHC)-- Venezuelan officials have reported that former Colombian mayor Henry Valero, who helped opposition lawmaker Juan Guaido cross the Venezuelan-Colombian border on February 22nd, has been sentenced to five years in prison for corruption in Colombia. 

The Protector of the Venezuelan state of Tachira Freddy Bernal tweeted: "The cynicism of national and international media has no limits.  They try to minimize the evidence of ties between paramilitaries and Juan Guaido and turn a blind eye to the links with the corrupt mayor of Northern Santander Henry Valero, sentenced to five years in prison."

The Colombian Fifth Criminal Court charged Valero with embezzlement of funds during his administration in Puerto Santander-Cucuta and sentenced him to prison.  An arrest warrant has been issued as his whereabouts are unknown. 

Valero was in charge of logistics to help Guaido cross the Colombian-Venezuelan border last February to attend the U.S.-backed ‘Venezuela Aid Live’ concert, as it is seen in videos in which the former Colombian mayor assists Guaido and his entourage board a Colombian government helicopter in order to reach the event financed by British billionaire Richard Branson.

Bernal also revealed communications between the narco-paramilitary group Los Rastrojos and Valero, with the purpose of guaranteeing entry and security the Venezuelan U.S.-backed opposition lawmaker. The protector of the Tachira state has requested an investigation by the Superior Court of Justice (TSJ) of Venezuela.