Hunger striker’s health worsening in Venezuela; daughter calls for Red Cross to intervene

Venezuelan hunger striker’s health deteriorating

CARACAS, Venezuela — The daughter of a Venezuelan farmer who has repeatedly staged hunger strikes over a land dispute with the government says his condition is worsening. She wants hospital authorities to let him be seen by the Red Cross.

Angela Brito said Sunday that her father is barely able to speak after many days without food or water. She told the Venezuelan TV channel Globovision that his health is “very, very delicate.”

The 49-year-old Franklin Brito has said his protests are aimed at forcing the government to acknowledge it violated his property rights by granting permission for neighbors to move onto his farm.

Government ombudswoman Gabriela Ramirez says authorities aim to preserve Brito’s life. He is at a military hospital.