WASHINGTON.- The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (RELE) condemned the political persecution against the Venezuelan opposition.
“These events are not isolated acts. Instead, they are part of a pattern of persecution aimed at discouraging political participation by the opposition and the population in general. These attacks on the democracy and these arbitrary restrictions on freedom of expression, association and assembly are intended to perpetuate the ruling party in power,” the IACHR said in a statement released on Monday, July 8.
In this sense, they called on the State (regime) to guarantee that the elections presidential elections of July 28 will be held in free, competitive and participatory form. The IACHR said that Venezuelan authorities, led by Nicolás Maduro, urgently need to make a commitment to democracy.
“This requires that the separation and independence of public powers be rebuilt, so that political persecution ceases, freedom of expression and freedom of the press are respected, and the political participation of the opposition is guaranteed on equal terms,” they said.
Arrests and closure of media outlets
The IACHR and the RELE reported that, so far in 2024, at least 50 people have been arrested. This group includes opposition campaign leaders, trade unionists, activists and journalists. In addition, they noted, 10 commercial premises used for opposition campaign meetings in favor of the presidential candidate of the Unitary Platform, Edmundo González Urrutia and the leader María Corina Machado were closed, while opposition delegations were detained at roadblocks.
In Venezuela, the closure of media communication and the lack of spaces on public radio and television for non-official candidates.
“Democratic debate requires the highest level of circulation and exchange of ideas, opinions and information regarding candidates, their parties and their proposals, primarily through the media, by those who aspire to hold elected office, and by those who wish to express themselves,” the IACHR emphasized.
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Source: IACHR