Leopoldo López Mendoza is a Venezuelan politician, currently serving as National Coordinator of Venezuelan political party Voluntad Popular, which he founded in 2009. Wikipedia

Trial[edit] López was set to be tried alongside four students, Marco Coello, Christian Holdack, Ángel González, and Demian Martin. He petitioned the court to release these students, who had been arrested in February. Judge Susana Barreiros ordered the release of all but Christian Holdack.[100] With his trial recently begun, Lopez' defence was barred from entering the court to present evidence and witnesses.[101] Since López was detained on 18 February 2014, he was held in Ramo Verde Prison while he was tried. López's court dates were on 23 July, 6 August, 13 August and 28 August. At each of those trials, the prosecution presented against López, yet his defense was allegedly not able to present any information or evidence supporting him.[102] After the court session of 28 August, the case was deferred for a third time to 10 September.[103] The 28 August court session was also under the presence of a delegate of the European Union, allegedly due to concerns about the trial's process.[104]

Detention[edit] López was denied bail and is being held in a the Ramo Verde military prison outside of Caracas.[18][89] During a visit by his wife, López gave her a handwritten note that quickly went viral on social networks. “I'm fine,” he wrote to his supporters, whom he urged “not to give up” and “to stay firm against violence, and to stay organised and disciplined. This is everyone's struggle.” While in prison, his family visited him every week being only allowed to stay for a few hours and deliver lunch. They had to undergo strict searches by guards. López grew a beard and began learning how to play the cuatro. López, a devout Catholic, was not allowed to attend mass or have a priest visit but has been allowed to have an hour of exercise outside each day.[90] In a July 2014 press release, Lopez' wife stated that his visitation rights had been revoked and that he was now subject to psychological tortures including isolation.[91]