Sean Penn joins Chavez on campaign

DHAKA: US actor Sean Penn joined President Hugo Chavez at an election rally in Venezuela, bringing a dash of Hollywood to the campaign as he rode with him atop a truck past cheering supporters.

Penn is a friend of Chavez, who hopes to win a new six-year term on October 7.

The campaign has turned into the toughest fight of the president’s political career.

‘Thank you very much for visiting us again, dear friend,’ Chavez said after introducing Penn to the big crowd in the central city of Valencia, reports daily Hurriyet.

‘We’re all Americans, from the north, the center, the south. Long live the American continent!’ Penn waved from the stage, fist-bumped and hugged Chavez, but did not address the rally.

Sean Penn is well-known for his political and social activism. He was a vocal critic of the administration of former US President George W Bush.

Last year, Penn worked for the release of two US hikers who were arrested in Iran, flying to Venezuela to ask Chavez to intervene on their behalf with Iran’s leader.

BDST: 2104 HRS, AUG 7, 2012

Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor