The Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Foro Penal has reported that 1,102 people have been detained in Venezuela for protesting against the proclamation of Nicolás Maduro as the re-elected president. This number includes 100 adolescents and five indigenous individuals. This NGO, which leads the defense of political prisoners in the South American country, indicates that the detainments are spread across nearly all regions as evidence of the government's repression following allegations of electoral fraud. These detentions were verified from July 29 to August 6, 2024.
The vice president of Foro Penal, Gonzalo Himiob, stated to the Efe news agency on Monday that the "vast majority" of the detainees are accused of "terrorism" by the regime. Violations of procedures have been reported concerning these incidents. The general coordinator of Cecodap, another NGO, Carlos Trapani, also told Efe that standard procedures have not been observed in these detentions. Notably, detainees are being taken to police stations or military headquarters instead of specialized facilities for minors.
Additionally, there have been breaches of the stipulated time frames for presenting the adolescents in court. Many have been held for over 24 hours without knowing the charges against them. Trapani noted that families have reported excessive physical and psychological violence during the arrests, as well as limited communication between the detainees and their representatives or defenders.
Among the detainees is a 13-year-old, recorded in the human rights organizations' registers, which constitutes a violation of Venezuelan law, which stipulates that individuals under 14 years of age cannot be held criminally responsible.
Last Saturday, during a Chavista gathering at the Palacio de Miraflores, Maduro boasted about his tough stance against the protesters. "We have 2,000 prisoners, and they are heading to Tocorón and Tocuyito [maximum security prisons in the states of Aragua and Carabobo, respectively]," Maduro declared in a show of strength.
Cheered and applauded by his supporters, the dictator called for "maximum punishment" for the detainees, asserting that "this time there will be no forgiveness... this time it's Tocorón." He claimed that all detainees have confessed through a strict, legal process led by the General Prosecutor's Office, with full guarantees, and that all are convicted and confessed, accusing them of being fascists trained to burn electoral centers and regional offices of the National Electoral Council (CNE), among other alleged terrorist acts.
Groups of enforcers on motorcycles, both in uniform and in civilian clothes, have been captured on video chasing and beating protesters, especially young people. Gunshots into the air, homes of opposition members marked in a Nazi-like fashion, and other misdeeds have been documented by activists and Venezuelan citizens.
Key Aspects of Recent Detainments in Venezuela
In light of recent events in Venezuela, here are some frequently asked questions regarding the detainments and the overall situation.
Why were the adolescents detained in Venezuela?
The adolescents were detained for participating in protests against Nicolás Maduro's re-election, with many being accused of terrorism by the regime.
What violations have been reported during these detentions?
Reported violations include excessive physical and psychological violence, inadequate detention facilities for minors, and breaches of legal time frames for court presentations.
How has Maduro responded to the protests?
Maduro has boasted about capturing 2,000 protesters and has called for maximum punishment, asserting that the protesters are convicted terrorists.
What evidence of repression has been documented?
Activists and citizens have recorded enforcers chasing and beating protesters, firing gunshots, and marking opposition members' homes.