On January 16, 2025, the Colombian government, led by President Gustavo Petro, announced its refusal to recognize the results of the recent Venezuelan elections, claiming they were not free from the outset. This statement comes in the context of ongoing tensions between Colombia and Venezuela, particularly regarding the treatment of political opponents.
Petro urged the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro to release all individuals detained during and after the elections, including 12 Colombian nationals held in Venezuela. He emphasized the importance of freedom in the Americas, asserting that political prisoners should not exist.
The Colombian president did not attend Maduro's inauguration on January 12, opting instead to send his ambassador to Caracas. This decision reflects the Colombian administration's growing criticism of the Venezuelan government's systematic harassment of opposition figures.
Petro's comments followed the release of Carlos Correa, director of the NGO Espacio Público, which advocates for freedom of expression. Correa was among numerous individuals detained shortly before Maduro's inauguration, amid allegations of electoral fraud. Reports indicate that approximately 83 people were arrested for political reasons during the early January period.
The political climate in Venezuela has been marked by widespread unrest and allegations of fraud in the July 28 presidential elections, resulting in 28 fatalities and nearly 200 injuries during protests. Among those arrested, three individuals reportedly died in custody, raising concerns over human rights abuses and inadequate medical care.