Authorized statement on the passing of Attorney Wanda Valentín Custodio

Authorized statement by Annette Martínez Orabona, Executive Director of the ACLU of Puerto Rico, on the passing of Attorney Wanda Valentín Custodio:

The ACLU of Puerto Rico team joins in the mourning of the family, colleagues, and friends of Attorney Wanda Valentín Custodio upon her passing, a loss that has taken us by surprise and fills us with sorrow. Wanda’s work as an attorney was always a reflection of who she was as a human being, a person who pursued justice with an unwavering and tireless sense of commitment.

Wanda was a steadfast collaborator of the ACLU of Puerto Rico, working hand in hand with our Legal Director, Fermín Arraiza Navas, on court cases seeking to protect the civil rights of all people, beyond any single client. As recently as Tuesday morning, our team held a phone meeting with Wanda to discuss the public announcement of the most recent case filed together with her.

For all of us who have the privilege of practicing law, Wanda’s life should remind us of the true reasons why we do this work and inspire us to fight with unwavering strength in defense of the rights of all people. That is also how Puerto Rico should remember her. We extend our deepest solidarity and condolences to her family and closest friends.