A recent report by a United Nations fact-finding mission has shed light on the intensifying repression in Venezuela following the country's presidential election in July 2024. The mission, established in 2019 and mandated until September 2024, has documented a significant escalation in the government's efforts to quash peaceful protests and silence opposition voices.
According to the report, Venezuelan authorities have systematically worked to dismantle and demobilize opposition groups, restrict the flow of independent information, and prevent peaceful demonstrations. Marta Valinas, chair of the fact-finding mission, stated, "We are witnessing an intensification of the state's repressive machinery in response to what it perceives as critical views, opposition or dissent."
The presidential election results, which declared Nicolas Maduro as the winner, have been contested by supporters of opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez. The opposition claims their own tally shows a victory for Gonzalez, who sought political asylum in Spain earlier this month following the issuance of an arrest warrant.
In the aftermath of the election, Venezuela experienced a wave of protests that resulted in 25 fatalities and approximately 2,400 arrests, as reported by official sources. The UN mission noted that 24 out of the 25 deaths were caused by gunshot wounds, primarily to the neck area. This violent response to demonstrations marks a new low in the deterioration of the rule of law in Venezuela.
The report highlights a concerning trend of public authorities abandoning their independence and openly deferring to the executive branch. This has contributed to a climate of fear among the population and appears to be part of a broader policy to discourage and silence opposition.
Venezuela, a country rich in natural resources and cultural diversity, has been grappling with political and economic challenges for years. Despite having the world's largest proven oil reserves, the nation has experienced hyperinflation since 2016, leading to significant economic hardship for its citizens. The country's currency, the bolivar, has undergone three redenominations since 2008, reflecting the severity of its economic crisis.
"The opposition is responsible for the deaths during the protests. These extremists and fascists are threatening the stability of our nation."
In response to the allegations, Maduro's government has blamed the opposition for the deaths during the protests, labeling demonstrators as "extremists" and "fascists." However, the UN report paints a different picture, describing a systematic campaign of repression dubbed operation "knock knock," which has targeted ordinary citizens in impoverished neighborhoods.
The mission also reported an increase in allegations of forced disappearances since 2019, along with a rise in reports of cruel treatment and torture. These developments are particularly alarming given Venezuela's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, including natural wonders like Angel Falls, the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall, and the Catatumbo lightning phenomenon.
As Venezuela continues to face these challenges, the international community remains concerned about the state of human rights and democracy in the country. The UN fact-finding mission's report serves as a crucial document in understanding the current situation and may inform future actions to address the ongoing crisis in this South American nation.