The Organization of American States (OAS) has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant against the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro. This request, spearheaded by the OAS Secretary General, Luis Almagro, is based on allegations of crimes against humanity purportedly committed by Maduro, particularly in relation to the crackdown on protesters following the July 28, 2024 elections.
During an extraordinary session of the OAS Permanent Council in Washington, Almagro argued that the time for justice in Venezuela has come. A draft resolution was presented, mandating the Venezuelan government to disclose the election results that declared Nicolás Maduro the winner.
However, the organization failed to reach a consensus on Wednesday to pressure Venezuelan authorities. Countries such as Brazil and Colombia, which had previously called for transparency from Caracas, abstained from the resolution. Mexico had indicated it would not be present. In total, 17 members of the OAS Permanent Council voted in favor, 11 abstained, and five were absent, including Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela itself. Notably, there were no votes against the resolution.
The Cuban government accused the OAS of being subservient to alleged U.S. interests and reaffirmed its support for Maduro. "Astonishingly and without adhering to the internal regulations of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela or any other nation, the United States and some OAS members sought to impose a resolution in its Permanent Council, urging the Venezuelan electoral authority to recount the votes cast on Sunday, July 28, under the observation of international organizations, a demand not made of any other country," stated a MINREX communiqué.
Almagro's request to the ICC comes after the National Electoral Council (CNE) proclaimed Maduro's victory in last Sunday's elections. This victory has been heavily contested by the opposition and a significant portion of the international community, which demands verification of the results through voting records that the government has refused to present.
The OAS's reaction comes at a time when the Venezuelan crisis is intensifying, with reports of at least 17 protesters killed in post-election demonstrations. Almagro was explicit in describing the situation, recalling Maduro's statements in the days leading up to the elections. "Maduro announced a bloodbath, and he is fulfilling it," he said.
On Wednesday, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby noted that the patience of both the U.S. government and the international community is running thin, urging Venezuelan authorities to publish the election records and demonstrate the announced results.
The Carter Center issued a statement warning that the elections in Venezuela lacked sufficient electoral integrity, failed to meet international standards, and "cannot be considered democratic."
The situation in Venezuela remains critical, and the OAS's request to the ICC marks a new chapter in the struggle for justice and democracy in the South American country. The international community is closely monitoring the next moves of international institutions on this delicate issue.
Key Questions about the OAS's Call for Maduro's Arrest
As the OAS takes a bold step in urging the ICC to issue an arrest warrant for Nicolás Maduro, many questions arise regarding the implications and future actions. Here are some key questions and answers that shed light on this significant development.
Why did the OAS request an arrest warrant for Nicolás Maduro?
The OAS, led by Secretary General Luis Almagro, requested an arrest warrant based on allegations of crimes against humanity committed by Maduro, especially related to the violent repression of protesters following the July 28, 2024 elections.
What was the outcome of the OAS Permanent Council vote on the resolution?
The resolution did not reach a consensus. Seventeen members voted in favor, eleven abstained, and five were absent, including Venezuela. There were no votes against the resolution.
How has the international community reacted to the elections in Venezuela?
The international community, including organizations like the Carter Center, has widely questioned the integrity of the elections, calling for verification of the results and expressing concerns over the lack of adherence to democratic standards.