Human Rights Watch has reported that Venezuela’s security forces and pro-government armed groups were responsible for killing 23 protesters following President Nicolas Maduro’s disputed election victory. The violence occurred in the aftermath of the July 28 election, with thousands of people taking to the streets in protest. The government responded with arbitrary detentions, prosecutions, and a campaign encouraging people to report those involved in the protests or questioning the election results. HRW described the repression in Venezuela as shockingly brutal and called on concerned governments to ensure peaceful protests and respect for the vote.
The group received credible evidence of the killings from independent local groups, including details provided by various organizations. Most of the killings took place on July 29 and 30, with HRW independently documenting eleven cases. Through the review of death certificates, verified videos and photographs, and interviews with witnesses and sources, HRW was able to gather information on the human rights abuses that occurred during the crackdown. The report highlighted the case of Rances Daniel Yzarra Bolivar, a civil engineer and food truck worker who was shot in the chest. It also detailed mass arrests of individuals, including children, journalists, political leaders, and others involved in the protests.
The arrests made during the post-election protests were often kept incommunicado and denied the right to hire a lawyer. Venezuelan authorities reported that over 2,400 people were arrested since July 29, including children and those defending the protesters. Foro Penal, a local group, reported that 114 children had been arrested, with some subsequently released subject to court appearances. The lack of transparency in the election results, coupled with the arrests and repression of dissent, has led to global condemnation of Maduro and his administration. The United States, the European Union, and several Latin American countries have refused to recognize Maduro’s victory without a detailed breakdown of the votes cast.
The National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner of the election for a third six-year term, without releasing vote tallies to support his victory. The opposition coalition obtained vote tallies from the electronic voting machines, claiming their candidate defeated Maduro by a significant margin. The lack of transparency in the election results, along with the arrests and violence that followed the protests, has raised concerns about the legitimacy of Maduro’s victory. The criticism against Maduro has grown, particularly after a judge approved an arrest warrant for a member of the opposition coalition. The international community has called for accountability and respect for human rights in Venezuela.
The widespread abuses committed by Venezuela’s security forces and pro-government armed groups have sparked outrage among human rights organizations and concerned governments. HRW’s report sheds light on the brutal crackdown following Maduro’s election victory and highlights the need for urgent action to protect the rights of Venezuelans. The campaign of repression, arbitrary detentions, and violence against protesters and dissenters must be addressed, and those responsible for human rights violations must be held accountable. The global condemnation of Maduro’s government underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles and respect for human rights in Venezuela. The future of the country hinges on ensuring that all voices are heard, and fundamental freedoms are protected for all citizens.
