Venezuela Fact-Finding Mission condemns recent arrests ahead of presidential inauguration
09 January 2025
GENEVA -- The recent arrests, including those of prominent human rights defenders, political leaders, and their relatives, constitute yet another attack on the rights and freedoms of the Venezuelan people, the UN's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela said. These arrests come ahead of opposition-led demonstrations expected today and the presidential inauguration set for 10 January.
Over the past two days, the Mission has registered 16 arrests or apprehensions in various States across the country, targeting political leaders, human rights defenders, and even relatives of opposition figures.
"We reiterate that all these human rights violations and crimes may entail individual criminal responsibility under international law for those who carry them out, as well as for those who order or authorize them," said Marta Valiñas, Chair of the Mission. "These detentions instill widespread fear among the population and prevent many people from expressing themselves freely or carrying out their legitimate work in defense of human rights."
The Mission urgently calls for the immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of the individuals arrested, ensuring that they are safeguarded and protected by law. All arbitrarily detained individuals must be released immediately and unconditionally.
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