Original Source: en.mercopress.com
Karim Khan, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), urged Venezuelan authorities to release all political prisoners and adolescents detained after the turbulent July 28 elections. In these elections, President Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner, even as the opposition claimed evidence showed their candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, had won. Khan emphasized that the rights of civilians, particularly those protesting peacefully, must be respected and safeguarded.
Addressing attendees in The Hague, Khan underscored that Venezuelans deserve justice, just like families he met in Libya and Bangladesh. He expressed frustration over the lack of tangible progress in Venezuela’s legal implementation regarding human rights. The prosecutor commented on the precarious state of complementarity, stating that the window for Venezuela to act is closing.
Khan called upon Maduro’s regime to permit representatives from the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ office into Venezuela, as previously agreed upon. The ICC has been probing alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela since 2017, especially linked to protests resulting in over 100 deaths. His office is also closely monitoring events following the recent presidential elections for further potential crimes.
The NGO Foro Penal reported that 1,903 individuals remain incarcerated for opposing the government, many detained after the latest elections. María Corina Machado, an opposition leader, rallied Venezuelans to demand immediate ICC action for justice, praising Khan’s acknowledgment of the grave human rights crisis. She highlighted the significance of international attention on the plight of Venezuelans, particularly the rising number of political prisoners.
The ICC plays a crucial role in addressing and investigating crimes against humanity. Venezuela has faced scrutiny over human rights violations, particularly during periods of political unrest. Since the uneasy elections held on July 28, 2024, there has been an ongoing concern regarding the treatment of individuals who oppose the government. The allegations have prompted international agencies, including the ICC, to intensify their investigations and push for accountability.
The ICC Chief Prosecutor’s comments reflect a serious concern for the human rights situation in Venezuela. With ongoing investigations into political imprisonment and abuses, the call for justice resonates deeply among Venezuelans and the international community alike. The urgency for the government to take responsibility is tangible, as pressure mounts for accountability and the release of those wrongfully detained, especially young individuals.
