The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) has accused the Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, of implementing a repressive policy following the presidential elections held on July 28. The CIDH report, released on January 8, 2025, cites at least 25 killings, numerous disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture, and inhumane treatment of regime opponents.
The extensive report comes just three days before Maduro is set to be inaugurated for a third term. It claims that his re-election, amid numerous allegations of fraud, lacks 'democratic legitimacy.' The report describes a strategy aimed at 'instigating terror' and 'silencing dissenting voices.' Maduro was proclaimed the winner without the publication of electoral records, contrary to legal requirements.
'The electoral opacity and, in general, the restrictions on political rights [...] prevent this Commission from considering Nicolás Maduro's re-election as having democratic legitimacy,' the CIDH states. The report further accuses Maduro of executing 'state terrorism' practices to obstruct political participation by the opposition and of implementing a coordinated repressive strategy to illegitimately maintain power.
The report outlines a three-phase strategy employed by the regime: the first during the pre-election process, the second on election day, and the third, the most repressive, occurring after the vote. This phase saw the launch of 'Operation Tun Tun' in response to nearly 300 protests that erupted nationwide due to perceived electoral fraud.
'This operation resulted in at least 25 killings, numerous brief enforced disappearances, around 2,000 arbitrary detentions—including children and adolescents—torture, cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment, and serious violations of judicial guarantees and freedom of expression,' the document states.
The CIDH also noted the lack of separation and independence of the judiciary and urged the international community to 'recognize the serious human rights crisis in Venezuela and remain vigilant against new repressive escalations.' It called for the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor to file a complaint regarding crimes against humanity.