In a troubling development following Venezuela's recent presidential election, the government has initiated a widespread crackdown, resulting in the arrest of more than 2,200 individuals. This surge in detentions comes amid disputed election results and growing international concern.
On August 7, 2024, María Oropeza, an opposition organizer in Portuguesa state, became one of the many victims of this sweeping operation. Oropeza's arrest, captured on a live stream, exemplifies the government's aggressive tactics against dissenting voices.
The presidential election, held on July 28, 2024, has been marred by controversy. While the electoral council declared Nicolás Maduro the winner, opposition-collected voting machine receipts suggest challenger Edmundo González received more than twice the votes. This discrepancy has fueled protests and demands for transparency, which the government has met with force.
Maduro's administration has dubbed this crackdown "Operación Tun Tun," reminiscent of a notorious 2017 operation. The name refers to the sound of security forces banging on doors at night, often without identification or warrants. This operation has instilled unprecedented fear among Venezuelans, who are now taking extreme precautions in their daily lives.
"We're in survival mode. I can't explain the amount of fear swirling around. It's having to pray every time you step outside your door, hoping you'll make it back. It's pure terror."
The repression has extended beyond political leaders to include regular citizens who monitored the election and those demanding accountability. Human rights organizations report that at least 23 people have been killed during protests since the election, with some deaths linked to military and police forces.
Alfredo Romero, president of the legal rights group Foro Penal, notes that this crackdown is unprecedented in scale and severity. Many detainees remain in custody, often without access to legal representation. The charges against them include "terrorism," "instigating hate," and "association to commit a crime."
The international community has called for negotiations, but the Venezuelan government has intensified its repressive measures. This crackdown occurs against the backdrop of Venezuela's ongoing economic crisis, which has led to the emigration of over 7 million Venezuelans since 2015.
As the situation unfolds, human rights lawyers and organizations struggle to keep up with the volume of cases. The fear of reprisal has made it difficult for families of the detained or killed to come forward, further complicating efforts to document and address these human rights violations.
The government's response to reports of deaths during protests has been to deny or manipulate information. This was evident in the case of Aníbal Romero, known as Pimpina, whose reported death on July 29 was initially dismissed by officials as fake news.
As Venezuela grapples with this post-election crisis, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political turmoil in a country that holds the world's largest proven oil reserves.