On October 17, 2024, leaders of the 27 European Union (EU) countries convened in Brussels, urging the Venezuelan government to respect the democratic will of its citizens and to cease violence, repression, and harassment against opposition and civil society. They emphasized that only 'verifiable' election results from the presidential elections held on July 28 will be accepted.
The EU expressed concern over human rights violations reported after the elections, with EU Foreign Affairs Representative Josep Borrell stating, 'Repression continues in Venezuela. Opposition leaders have had to go into exile or hide, with 2,000 individuals imprisoned.' The EU leaders agreed to utilize all diplomatic measures to support the Venezuelan people's democratic struggle.
Additionally, the summit highlighted the need for Venezuelan authorities to adhere to the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, ensuring unrestricted consular access to detained Europeans. The number of foreigners detained in Venezuela has reached 19, according to Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who claimed an 'international operation' aimed at assassinating President Nicolás Maduro and destabilizing the country.
Among the recent detainees are two Colombians, three Americans (one with Bolivian nationality), a Peruvian, and a Lebanese national. This group adds to previously reported arrests of four Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech national.
In a separate incident, Gustavo de León Palma, the son of a prominent teachers' union leader in Guatemala, was shot dead by an armed group on October 16, 2024, in Panzós, Alta Verapaz. The attack occurred at his home while he was defending his mother from the assailants. The Ministry of Public Affairs is investigating the case.
De León Palma was 26 years old and was reportedly killed while attempting to protect his mother from the attackers. His father, Joviel Acevedo Ayala, a significant figure in Guatemala's education sector, described the tragic event to local media. Acevedo Ayala has been criticized for his dealings with current governments and was sanctioned by the United States in 2023 for corruption related to public officials.