In Venezuela, state violence directed towards dissent has significantly intensified. Arbitrary detentions, attacks on opponents, and the persecution of those who support candidates not affiliated with the regime have become common tools for population control and perpetuation in power. These actions fuel the list of state terrorism acts perpetrated by the government, characterized by the systematic use of state terrorism to suppress opposition and strengthen its dominance.
The Venezuelan state violates multiple international treaties by threatening, disappearing, and disqualifying opposition candidates or social activists. It is important to note that Venezuela is a signatory to the Rome Statute, which prohibits torture, kidnapping, war crimes, and aggression against individuals. Likewise, it ignores the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, having signed but not ratified this treaty. These commitments oblige Venezuela to respect the human rights of all its citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.
Recent events involving the Venezuelan state repeatedly demonstrate its lack of willingness to comply with signed international agreements. Therefore, it is difficult to argue that there is truly a rule of law in Venezuela. The irregularities in the Venezuelan process are too significant, with the most recent case being that of human rights defender Rocío San Miguel, who was detained on Friday, February 9, 2024, along with several family members. Her arrest was only confirmed on Sunday, the 11th, and on Monday, the 12th, the charges against her were announced, including attempted assassination and treason. Although the defender’s daughter, siblings, and ex-husband were released on Tuesday, the 13th, under certain conditions, such as the prohibition of speaking to the media and the restriction of leaving the country, this is part of a repressive escalation against citizens who disagree with government policies. This pattern has been accentuated since 2023, evidenced by the implementation of the «Bolivarian Fury» plan, which is nothing more than part of the escalation against the population that does not wish to continue with an authoritarian regime that has generated a holodomor and one of the largest mass exoduses in the region of citizens fleeing conditions of modern slavery experienced in the country.
Alianza Libertaria Venezuela.