Breitbart News reported that violent clashes continue to rock Venezuela as the death toll from anti-socialist protests rises to 24 following Nicolás Maduro's disputed re-election.
Nationwide protests erupted in Venezuela following Nicolás Maduro's July 28, 2023, presidential re-election, viewed by many as illegitimate, leading to brutal repression, numerous deaths, and human rights violations. The NGO Provea confirmed 24 fatalities amidst the government crackdown on dissent against the controversial election results.
The National Electoral Council (CNE) had declared Maduro the winner, sparking immediate unrest across the nation. Without releasing vote tallies or scrutinizing documents, the CNE quickly certified Maduro’s victory, claiming he received 51% of the vote. This move fueled skepticism and anger among the opposition and many Venezuelans.
The Venezuelan opposition published their own vote tallies, alleging that opposition candidate Edmundo González secured a significant win. They argued that the CNE’s results were fraudulent and manipulated in favor of Maduro.
Internationally, several countries, including the United States, have rejected Maduro’s victory and recognized González as the legitimate president. In contrast, only Maduro’s long-time allies and sympathetic regimes acknowledged his re-election. Amidst the chaos, the Maduro regime has initiated an aggressive campaign against dissidents. Over 2,000 individuals have reportedly been detained, with plans to send them to “reeducation” camps.
Protests have been particularly intense in low-income neighborhoods of Caracas and other major cities, according to Provea. Armed socialist gangs, known locally as colectivos, along with the Directorate of Strategic and Tactical Actions (DAET) of the Bolivarian National Police, have been implicated in at least 11 out of the 24 documented homicides.
The National Union of Press Workers of Venezuela (SNTP) reported the arbitrary detention of four journalists and graphic reporters, all facing terrorism charges. This crackdown on the press has raised significant concerns regarding freedom of the press and expression.
Digital platforms have been used to identify and target dissidents, with the regime relaunching Operation Tun Tun to persecute its opponents. This operation has a notorious history of human rights abuses.
Maduro’s administration has accused various regional leaders, international figures, and organizations of plotting against his rule, labeled collectively as “international Zionism.” This rhetoric has intensified the regime’s crackdown on perceived enemies.
Foro Penal, another notable Venezuelan NGO, confirmed 1,229 arbitrary detentions during the protests. Among the detained are 105 teenagers, five indigenous individuals, 16 people with disabilities, and 157 women.
Alfredo Romero, president of Foro Penal, highlighted the severe violations of legal rights, including restricted access to legal defense and lack of communication with family members. The average age of the detainees is 20, painting a grim picture of the youth's involvement in the current unrest.
Provea has also reported instances of harassment, job dismissals, and demotions of public administration employees for political reasons. Provea warns these actions could worsen, endangering more employees and their families. In a display of loyalty, the Venezuelan Armed Forces and police affirmed their commitment to Nicolás Maduro, naming him the “constitutional president” and “commander in chief.” This allegiance underscores the deepening divide within Venezuelan society.
As the death toll rises and the government’s control tightens, Venezuela remains ensnared in a spiral of violence and repression. Provea emphasized, “Denying people the human right to democracy, to electoral truth and repressing those who demand these basic principles, is a crime against human rights.”
