Human Rights Violations Escalate in Venezuela Amid Post-Election Crackdown

Human Rights Violations Escalate in Venezuela Amid Post-Election Crackdown

A new report from the United Nations Human Rights Council’s investigators paints a grim picture of the human rights situation in Venezuela, with security forces intensifying their crackdown on perceived critics of the government. The report highlights the use of social media videos as the sole evidence for arresting individuals, with security forces raiding dozens of homes of those suspected of opposing the regime.

A Deepening Crisis of Rights

The report, based on testimonies gathered in the aftermath of Venezuela’s controversial 28 July Presidential election, points to an intensification of violence and repression, describing one of the most acute human rights crises in recent history. Marta Valiñas, Chair of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, emphasized that the findings show a dramatic worsening of the situation, with violations of human rights escalating to unprecedented levels.

“The violations have intensified, reaching unprecedented levels of violence,” Valiñas stated during a press briefing in Geneva. “This marks a continuation of a long-standing pattern of repression that has already been condemned as likely crimes against humanity.”

Repression and State Violence

The re-election of Nicolás Maduro, which sparked widespread protests across the country, has been followed by a brutal response from state forces. The mission’s latest report documents 25 fatalities in the aftermath of the election, most of whom were young individuals from marginalized neighborhoods. Tragically, two of the victims were children. Valiñas revealed that 24 of the deceased had died from gunshot wounds, while one person was beaten to death.

The findings cover the period from September 2023 to August 2024 and underscore the continued erosion of the rule of law in Venezuela, particularly after the disputed presidential elections. Public authorities are accused of abandoning their independence and facilitating the arbitrary exercise of power, leaving citizens defenseless against state violence.

Arbitrary Arrests and Violations of Due Process

One of the most troubling findings of the report is the widespread use of social media videos as the sole evidence for arrests. Investigators documented more than 40 cases in which security forces entered private homes without warrants, arresting individuals they suspected of participating in protests or voicing dissent online.

Francisco Cox Vial, a member of the fact-finding mission, explained, “Security forces are using social media videos as their only proof to arrest people. This arbitrary exercise of power has resulted in severe violations of due process.”

In July 2024 alone, over 120 individuals were arrested in connection with opposition campaign events. During the first week of protests following the elections, authorities detained over 2,000 people, including more than 100 children, some with disabilities. The children faced accusations of terrorism and incitement to hatred, while the larger group endured serious violations of their legal rights.

Torture and Cruel Treatment

The report also documents horrific instances of torture and degrading treatment of detainees. At least 143 of those arrested were members of seven opposition parties, including 66 political leaders. Many of the detainees were subjected to torture, including electric shocks, beatings with blunt objects, suffocation with plastic bags, immersion in cold water, and forced sleep deprivation. Women and girls were subjected to sexual violence, and some men endured similar forms of abuse.

Patricia Tappatá Valdez, another member of the fact-finding mission, confirmed that many of those arrested during the protests suffered cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. “We were able to verify that many of these arrests were politically motivated, involving opposition leaders and ordinary citizens critical of the government,” she said.

A Deliberate Campaign of Persecution

The report’s investigators also highlighted the systematic nature of the government’s actions, accusing the authorities of carrying out politically motivated persecution. Between December 2023 and March 2024, at least 48 individuals were detained for allegedly engaging in “conspiracy theories” against the government. The victims included military personnel, human rights defenders, journalists, and political opponents.

“We cannot ignore the fact that these violations are part of a deliberate line of conduct aimed at politically motivated persecution,” said Francisco Cox Vial. “Based on our findings, we conclude that many of these actions amount to crimes against humanity.”

Conclusion: A Struggle for Justice

The findings of the fact-finding mission shine a harsh light on the ongoing human rights violations in Venezuela, underscoring the government’s escalating repression of dissent. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community remains concerned about the Venezuelan government’s disregard for basic human rights and freedoms.

The fact-finding mission’s report serves as a crucial call for action, urging the international community to hold the Venezuelan authorities accountable for their actions and to support the victims of state-sponsored violence and repression.

Key Highlights:

• Increasing Violence: The report confirms a sharp increase in violence and repression in Venezuela, with at least 25 fatalities following the controversial presidential election.
• Arbitrary Arrests: Security forces have raided homes based on social media videos, leading to numerous arrests, including over 100 children.
• Torture and Inhumane Treatment: Detainees have been subjected to severe torture, including sexual violence and physical abuse.
• Political Persecution: Authorities have targeted opposition figures, journalists, and human rights defenders in a clear campaign of politically motivated persecution.

http://UN Human Rights Council