A global human rights organization has linked Venezuelan security forces and pro-government armed groups to killings that occurred during protests following the controversial July presidential election. Human Rights Watch stated that their investigation found credible evidence tying Venezuela’s national guard, national police, and violent gangs aligned with the ruling party to some of the 24 deaths that transpired as people protested the election results. The organization emphasized that 23 of the individuals killed were protesters or bystanders, while one was a member of the Bolivarian National Guard.
The director for the Americas at Human Rights Watch, Juanita Goebertus, expressed shock at the brutality of the repression in Venezuela, urging concerned governments to intervene promptly to ensure peaceful protests and respect for people’s votes. The organization’s conclusions regarding the killings were based on various sources, including interviews with witnesses and journalists, reviews of death certificates, videos, photographs, and analyses by forensic pathologists and arms experts.
Following the announcement of President Nicolás Maduro’s victory, thousands of people, including minors, protested across Venezuela. While the demonstrations were mainly peaceful, some individuals engaged in actions such as toppling statues of former President Hugo Chávez, throwing rocks at law enforcement officers and buildings, and burning police motorcycles and government materials. In response, Maduro’s government conducted arbitrary detentions, prosecutions, and encouraged reporting on individuals involved in the protests or questioning the election results.
Human Rights Watch detailed various incidents in their report, including the killing of Rancés Daniel Yzarra Bolívar, a participant in the protests in Maracay. The investigation revealed multiple videos showing the events surrounding Yzarra Bolívar’s injury, including footage of him being carried by protesters and calls indicating that he had been shot. Furthermore, the report highlighted numerous arbitrary arrests made by Venezuelan security forces, including children, journalists, political figures, and individuals critical of the government.
The lack of transparency surrounding the election results, along with the widespread arrests following the protests, has led to global condemnation of Maduro and his allies. Criticism escalated when a judge approved an arrest warrant for Opposition Leader González. The situation has raised concerns globally and has drawn attention to the ongoing human rights violations in Venezuela.
