Since 2017, the Public Ministry (MP) has charged 1,463 people with human rights abuses and violations, of which 1,403 are officials and 60 civilian collaborators, Attorney General Tarek William Saab reported this Friday as part of the balance of the charges. human rights actions.
As for those deprived of liberty, Saab reported that since 2017 there have been 769 officials and 39 civilians, reaching a total of 808 people.
Regarding the figures shown, the Prosecutor asserted that they show «breakthrough breakthroughs and of an unquestionable institutional strength, which reveals how the Venezuelan State, through the Public Ministry and the Justice System, gives extreme priority, of the highest level, to all those cases that unfortunately in some cases could involve police and military officials in violations of human rights”.
In this regard, the Attorney General highlighted the effort to leave no doubts about the decision of the Public Ministry to apply the full weight of the law in the event that any police or military official commits any type of abuse.
In addition, he highlighted the contrast of these figures with the previous management of the Ministry which, in his opinion, handled minute figures of accusations, accusations and convictions.
Figures for human rights violations in 2022
So far in 2022, the Public Ministry has charged 533 officials and 20 collaborators. “Giving a figure of 555 people accused of human rights violations,” said the Prosecutor. And he highlighted in this regard that it is the highest figure since the beginning of his management in 2017.
Regarding this number, he asserted that “it speaks for itself of the effort and dedication on the part of the Public Ministry and auxiliary organs of justice to punish these unfortunate acts.”
Regarding those deprived of liberty, it reported that, so far this year, 181 officials and eight civilians have been detained for human rights violations. In addition, convictions have been achieved against 64 officials and 19 civilians for a total of 83.
For Saab, these figures are unquestionable and “reveal the work, diligence, investigation and forcefully express that the reports of some organizations, which are not worth mentioning, are part of lawfare«.
“They are using the issue of human rights to make a file on the country with totally false things,” warned the Attorney General about Venezuela’s performance on this issue. “It is said that there is inaction and it is not true,” he asserted.
On the other hand, he expressed his condolences and support for the population of Las Tejerías, and pointed out in this regard that all the fiscal offices of the Public Ministry were enabled as support collection centers to receive donations and deliver them to the victims of the landslide that occurred in that population. aragueña
Cases investigated
Among the cases investigated by the Public Ministry related to human rights violations, the Attorney General mentioned the murder of David Vallenilla, which occurred during a protest in front of the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base on June 22, 2017. He recalled that, due to this Aviation official Arli Méndez was sentenced to 23 years in prison in October 2021, for the crimes of qualified homicide with treachery and futile motives, and improper use of an organic weapon.
Among other cases, he said that on November 4, 2021, four former Naguanagua municipal police officers, as well as two Carabobo state police officers, were sentenced to serve a sentence of 28 years and seven months in prison for having caused the death. of Leonardo González during a protest that took place on July 27, 2017.
He also mentioned the conviction in December 2021 of two Sebin officials for the death of former councilor Fernando Albán, recorded on October 8, 2018. They were sentenced to 5 years and 10 months in prison for the crimes of manslaughter, breach of duties of custody, conspiracy and facilitation of aggravated flight.
