:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/VEF7L7F3UBF33PHQFC4KYHYKZU.jpg "The OAS accused Maduro “of providing impunity to the perpetrators of crimes against humanity” in Venezuela")
“Report on Human Rights Violations in Venezuela Presented at OAS Headquarters”
A comprehensive report prepared by four independent international experts convened by the Organization of American States (OAS) has exposed the systematic violation of human rights in Venezuela under the regime of Nicolás Maduro. The report, titled “Impunity in Venezuela, green light for crimes against humanity,” was presented by OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro at the organization’s headquarters in Washington.
The experts, Santiago Cantón, Irwin Cotler, Manuel Ventura Robles, and Joanna Frivet, analyzed a representative sample of 183 cases of human rights violations in Venezuela, including murders, torture, arbitrary detention, and political persecution. Their findings paint a grim picture of widespread impunity and state-sponsored repression in the country.
During the presentation of the report, Almagro emphasized the need for justice in Venezuela, stating that “a country without justice is a country without a future.” The experts highlighted the lack of progress in holding perpetrators of crimes against humanity accountable, with only 6% of cases resulting in convictions.
Victims of illegal repression in Venezuela also shared their harrowing stories during the presentation. Olga González, whose husband was killed by police officers during a protest, described the extrajudicial execution of her husband. Jesus Alemán, a student leader who was kidnapped and tortured by the intelligence service, detailed the brutal treatment he endured. Nixon Leal, a former political prisoner, recounted his experience of torture and attempted suicide while in custody.
The report exposes the role of the Maduro regime in perpetuating human rights abuses, with orders coming from the top down. The experts called for accountability at the highest levels of government and recommended that the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigate the crimes committed in Venezuela.
The OAS report concludes that the Venezuelan state has failed to investigate or prosecute perpetrators of crimes against humanity, leading to widespread impunity for human rights violations. The experts also highlighted the lack of transparency in the judiciary and the obstruction of victims’ access to justice.
The presentation of the report at the OAS headquarters marks a significant milestone in the international scrutiny of human rights abuses in Venezuela. The findings underscore the urgent need for accountability and justice for the victims of state-sponsored repression in the country.