Radical Venezuelan Leader Lina Ron Dies

Mérida, March 7th  2011 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – Lina Ron, a prominent leader in the Bolivarian Revolution, well known for her radicalism and grassroots activism, died on Saturday morning of a heart attack, aged 51.

Ron, who described herself as the “most radical part of the revolution”, was the founder of the Venezuelan Popular Unity party (UPV), an anti-imperialist left revolutionary party. She was one of 15 children raised by her mother, and didn’t finish university because of economic reasons. Early in her life she was a student leader and also helped organise protests for informal workers and land “invaders”.

She ran a cultural centre, hosted alternative television programs, and according to Radio Mundial, was “one of the strongest activists in the electoral campaign for the re-election of President Hugo Chavez”. When the governing United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) was formed in 2007, she was part of the original leadership. Many saw her election to the position as representative of a break from bureaucracy, as she was known as a street activist who refused institutional positions.

At that time, Ron said, “In this revolution, being Chavista is a way of life”.

In 2008 she and some followers occupied the Archbishop’s palace in Caracas and in 2009 she was arrested and jailed for a short period after the UPV tear gas bombed opposition news channel Globovision.

In response, President Hugo Chavez said, “These types of actions do damage to the socialist revolution, because they are counter-revolutionary.” Chavez has praised her at times, but also called her “uncontrollable” for her “violence”.

Yesterday during the funeral services Chavez offered his condolences to Ron’s family and friends, declaring her “eternally alive… the highest tribute a revolutionary can receive… because women like Lina never die, Lina… you will always be alive in our battles and the victories of the people.”

The PSUV also released a statement saying, “Lina Ron was a woman… with extraordinary strength to face attacks and enemies of the revolution, but also deeply sensitive to the problems of people who are excluded, people with whom she identified and worked for”.

“In the PSUV we are convinced that… the loyalty of Lina Ron will be an important reference for those who continue struggling,” the statement continued.

Fernando Soto Rojas, President of the National Assembly, also expressed his respect and condolences, together with other PSUV leaders.