Medellin, Colombia – The Venezuelan government’s repressive tactics have continued since the arrest of Nicolas Maduro, with 87 political detentions reported since January 3, according to a new report from the United Nations.
The United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Thursday issued an update investigating arbitrary detentions, torture and gender-based violence committed by the Venezuelan government since September and criticizing the failure of the so-called “amnesty law.”
Those arrested during this period included 14 journalists, 27 people accused of celebrating Maduro’s arrest, and 15 children.
According to the report, government officials and military officers previously implicated in crimes against humanity by the United Nations have remained in office, while the judiciary, prosecutor’s office, and communications authorities all continue to encourage state repression.
The United Nations also repeatedly emphasized that the U.S. operation to arrest Maduro violated international law and emphasized that Maduro should be held accountable for crimes against humanity through due judicial procedures.
“The official line is saying that a new political moment has arrived (…) but the parts of the government that are involved in repression and state security forces remain the same. There has been no change there, not even in appearance,” said Alí Daniels, a lawyer and director of the Venezuelan human rights NGO Acceso a la Justicia. Latin America Report.
After Maduro’s arrest, the United Nations noted that interim President Delcy Rodriguez’s initial decisions were “encouraging.” This includes the release of political prisoners and the adoption of the Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence on February 20.
However, the UN also detailed the limitations of ‘arbitrary restriction’ laws that do not recognize state responsibility for human rights violations.
“It does not establish transparent or comprehensive processes, independent investigations or mechanisms to uncover the truth. Nor does it acknowledge victims of oppression who continue to be criminalized without access to effective compensation.”
Families of political prisoners and exiles have raised similar concerns about an amnesty law that excludes soldiers imprisoned for defying the government.
The actual number of political prisoners released since interim President Rodríguez’s term continues to be disputed. Her government’s claim is far higher than the 690 releases of political prisoners identified by human rights group Foro Penal, while the United Nations says the figure is unverifiable.
“We still have a long way to go before we can say things have changed in Venezuela,” Daniels added. It is unclear whether recent developments indicate a “genuine commitment” to change by the Venezuelan government.
“Much deeper and more lasting change is needed so that people can believe that years of oppression and violence are truly over,” the UN report concluded.
Featured Image: Caracas, Venezuela via Flickr. Image License.
