COViSAL #233 – The blockade in Venezuela will not stop us! Solution to sign and deadline extension until May 3
COViSAL #233 – The blockade in Venezuela will not stop us! Solution to sign and deadline extension until May 3
Date: April 25, 2026
Dear friend,
Today we have 304 signatures. But they are not enough. COViSAL needs more than 500 signatures with testimonies from survivors.
⚠️ IMPORTANT FOR THOSE IN VENEZUELA:
We have confirmed that access to Change.org is being blocked by internet providers in Venezuela. This prevents many victims from signing. But we have a free and simple solution:
📢 SOLUTION: PROTON VPN (FREE, SECURE, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
🔗 Download links for Proton VPN:
- 📱 Android (Play Store): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.protonvpn.android
- 🍎 iPhone / iPad (App Store): https://apps.apple.com/app/proton-vpn-fast-secure/id1437005085
- 💻 Computer (Windows / Mac / Linux): https://protonvpn.com/download
Simple instructions: Download the app, open it, press "Quick Connect" (no account needed), then open the petition link. That easy.
If you have difficulties, ask a son, daughter, grandson, or young neighbor for help. It is a small step but a crucial one.
🗓️ DEADLINE EXTENSION: NOW CLOSES ON SUNDAY, MAY 3
Due to this technical situation, I am extending the collection of signatures and testimonies until Sunday, May 3, 2026 at midnight. This gives everyone time to install the VPN and sign without rush.
On Sunday, May 3 at midnight, I will close the collection of signatures and testimonies to send them to Judge Godbey.
Please share this Report and multiply.
📢 What you are saying in real voices:
"It is unacceptable that the only ones who get paid properly are the lawyers, while the rest get crumbs." – L.K.
"I became a widow without savings. The lawyers get rich at our expense." – G.B.
"Justice delayed is justice denied. Other survivors have passed away waiting." – D.K.
"The lawyers have eaten like birds of prey from the little that was recovered." – M.T.
They already signed. Please join them! You can change this.
🧱 Gilardi's wall of evasiveness:
| You ask | Gilardi answers |
|---|---|
| "When will I receive my payment?" | "We do not have any additional information..." |
| "How long will it take to complete the shipments?" | "The process is expected to take several weeks." |
| "Can you give me a date?" | "We do not have any additional information on timing." |
🎯 What we already know (and they don't want us to know):
- The only confirmed payments have gone to law firms (not to individual claimants).
- Those law firms reported they will take up to 60 days to pay their clients... after deducting their fees.
- No COViSAL member has reported receiving their 12th distribution payment.
The sequence is clear: first the lawyers, then the victims... waiting.
📝 Your brief testimony is more urgent than ever.
Judge Godbey needs to know who you are. Not just how many you are.
- Maximum 500 characters (4-5 lines).
- Include: name (or initials), country, age (optional) and your situation.
- End with: "I declare under oath that this information is true."
Example:
"M.V., 72 years old, Venezuela. I was 54 when Stanford closed. I have not received my payment. I called Gilardi and they don't know when they will pay. I declare under oath that this is true."
📧 Please send your testimony to: jaenrodes@covisal.org
📅 New deadline: SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026 (midnight).
On Sunday, May 3 at midnight, I will close the collection of signatures and testimonies to send them to Judge Godbey.
🧭 A necessary reflection:
In 17 years we have seen it all: unfulfilled promises, sick companions, others who left without recovering anything.
We have grown old together, tied to this debacle.
It has not been a lack of struggle. It has been a tireless fight.
I have sent hundreds of communications. I have seen forums where they delete those who call for unity. I have seen anonymous criticism while we showed our faces.
COViSAL is not perfect. This is not a hobby. It is a mission.
After 17 years, we have no time for divisions. We cannot allow the control of a few in anonymous forums to divide us.
Either we are all on the same side of history, or we are nowhere. I have already chosen my side.
To those of you who have supported the cause, who are sick and still sign, who share from your solitude: THANK YOU. You are not alone.
📢 Please sign the petition if you haven't already.
Or copy and paste this link into your browser:
https://www.change.org/StanfordSurvivorsJustice
- FREE. Change.org will ask for a donation. Look for "skip" or "continue without donating".
- If you use a VPN (Proton or others), remember to connect before opening the link.
- After signing, check your email (and spam folder) and click the confirmation link.
📌 Spanish translation of the petition:
https://www.covisal.org/2026/04/peticion-justicia-para-los.html
🗓️ Next steps (updated)
- April 25 - May 3: Collect signatures and testimonies (extended deadline)
- May 3 (Sunday): CLOSING at midnight
- May 4: Prepare package
- May 5: Send letter to Judge Godbey
🔁 Share this message:
Please forward this email to every survivor.
304 signatures are not enough. We need at least 500.
🕯️ Final words:
The Receiver does not respond. Gilardi responds with evasions. OSIC and the Examiner remain silent. Some, from anonymity, criticize and destroy.
COViSAL keeps fighting. I urge you to sign and send your testimonies.
We will not be silenced.
Best regards,
Jaime R. Escalona
COViSAL
https://www.covisal.org/
Twitter: @COViSAL
🔁 Please forward. The more of us there are, the stronger our voice will be.
Legal Notice: COViSAL's work is investigative and informational. It is NOT legal advice.