A newly released United Nations (UN) report revealed that the Venezuelan authorities’ response to protests against the contentious results of the July 28 elections was marked by extreme violence, leading to multiple human rights violations. Conducted by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Republic of Venezuela, the report examined the human rights landscape in the country between September 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024, identifying an array of abuses perpetrated by government forces.
The UN investigation documented the deaths of 25 individuals during the first two days of massive demonstrations that erupted on July 29 in response to the presidential election results. Most victims were young adults under 30, succumbing to gunshot wounds, although the report did not definitively conclude the involvement of Venezuelan security forces in these fatalities. The inquiry recorded over 2000 arrests in July alone, including instances involving children with disabilities who faced terrorism charges. These detentions reportedly breached due process, with arrested individuals experiencing unwarranted detention, failure to be brought to court within the 48-hour legal limit, and denial of the right to legal representation of their choosing.
Testimonies outlined severe instances of torture and inhuman treatment, such as electric shocks, beatings, immersion in cold water, and sexual abuse, inflicted on detainees. The report also noted heightened restrictions on civic freedoms and targeted harassment of journalists and civil society organizations. The human rights violations primarily affected those opposing Maduro’s government or disputing the election’s outcome, including political opposition members, military personnel, former officials, journalists, and human rights activists. Consequently, the mission stated it had reasonable grounds to believe crimes of “persecution on political grounds” had been committed by Venezuelan authorities.
The latest findings corroborate an August report by the UN’s investigative mission, which similarly indicated severe repression but underscored a worsening condition. The recent report highlighted the intensification of repressive measures, plunging the nation into what has been described as “one of the most acute human rights crises in recent history.”
The protests were triggered by the controversial July 28 presidential election results, where both Nicolas Maduro and Edmundo Gonzalez claimed victory, leading to widespread unrest. In response, many international actors, including the US, Chile, Guatemala, and the EU, called on Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE) to release the voting records. While the Venezuelan government has yet to respond to these demands, authorities recently released 86 teenagers detained during the protests, even amidst ongoing repression concerns.