Following the contested re-election of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in July, a crackdown by the government has resulted in 25 deaths and 2,400 people being detained, according to a United Nations fact-finding mission. The response of the authorities to the opposition and protesters has led to one of the most severe human rights crises in recent history, the report stated.
The fact-finding mission chair, Marta Valinas, noted the intensification of the state’s repression against critical views and dissent, with most of the deaths during the protests being caused by gunshot wounds to the neck. The arrests, including over 100 children, were often on charges of terrorism and incitement to hatred, with serious violations of due process reported.
The report highlighted a deterioration of the rule of law in Venezuela due to the repressive response to the protests and the lack of transparency in the electoral process. Maduro’s government disputed the allegations, blaming the opposition for the deaths and accusing them of extremism and fascism.
The fact-finding mission also noted an increase in allegations of forced disappearances, cruel treatment, and torture in Venezuela since 2019. The government has refused to cooperate with the mission, which was established in 2019 and recently had its mandate extended until September.
The international community, including the United States, has taken action against Venezuela in response to the crackdown, with new sanctions imposed on judicial and election officials accused of helping Maduro secure his victory. Opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, who claimed victory in the election, has sought political asylum in Spain.
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