The Venezuela Fact-Finding Mission presented a new report, accusing the Nicolás Maduro administration of the biggest closure of radio stations in two decades. They also denounced the situation of constant threats to political prisoners and their families, as well as violations of due process, denial of food and adequate medical attention. The arrests of journalists Roland Carreño, Jesús Medina, unionists from basic companies in Guayana and activists linked to the Red Flag party were highlighted.
The Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela presented this Wednesday, March 22, a new oral report on the situation in the country, in which it was highlighted that the “repression is focused mainly on civil society actors perceived as opponents of the Government.”
The update, during the 52nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, was in charge of the president of the Mission, the lawyer Martha Valinas.
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In addition to the persistence of the persecution, they have documented “the increase in persecution against organizations and individuals defending human rights, trade unionists, journalists, humanitarian personnel and other figures from organized civil society, as well as political leaders.”
The Determination Mission indicated that the serious human rights violations already documented (torture, arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, persecutions and harassment), in addition to the lack of investigation and punishment of these crimes “seem to have produced an inhibitory effect of the protest that has already managed to intimidate the civilian population and demobilize political dissidents”.
Under this scenario, Valiñas commented, “the persecution of union leaders has intensified,” and highlighted the arrest of nine union leaders from basic companies in Guayana, as well as activists linked to the Red Flag party (Gabriel Blanco, Emilio Negrín, Alonso Meléndez, Reynaldo Cortés, Néstor Astudillo and Alcides Bracho), accused of alleged crimes of terrorism, conspiracy and criminal association.
According to information obtained by the NGO Mission in the field, in Venezuela there are 282 political prisoners, between civilians and soldiers. In addition, it warned of new selective arrests and threats against those detained for political reasons and their families, with constant violations of due process, and constant denial in some cases of food and adequate medical care.
He recalled that the director of Fundaredes, Javier Tarazona, remains detained in one of the headquarters of the Bolivarian Intelligence Service (Sebin), known as El Helicoide. Recently, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights requested that they be allowed to visit him and check his state of health, which has deteriorated after just over a year in prison.
The president of the Mission also denounced that “attacks against the media have intensified.” Only in September 2022, 19 radio stations in the state of Táchira and 31 in Zulia closed.
Valiñas warned that during 2022 the administration of Nicolás Maduro closed the largest number of radio stations in two decades.
In addition, he highlighted the situation of the journalist and activist of Voluntad Popular, Roland Carreño, who he said is facing a trial with “multiple irregularities.” He also mentioned the journalist Jesús Medina Ezaine, who continues to be subject to criminal proceedings on charges of incitement to hatred and conspiracy.
Another issue contained within the oral report is the Mission’s concern about laws and administrative procedures that “hinder the functioning of civil society.” In particular, the two bills that are advancing in the 2020 National Assembly to regulate NGOs and restrict international financing.
“The new regulation, if approved, would consolidate an abusive control over the existence and activities of NGOs,” stated the Determination Mission.
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