EFE This Wednesday, the Casla Institute urged the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, to issue arrest warrants for Nicolás Maduro and other senior officials in his government, holding them accountable for crimes against humanity in Venezuela.
The institute pointed out that systematic repression, persecution, intimidation, arbitrary detentions, torture, rape, and other forms of sexual violence have persisted without interruption in Venezuela.
“As of today, there are over 2,500 individuals detained, most of whom have been subjected to enforced disappearances, physical and psychological torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, intimidation, and threats. In several cases, family members and close friends have also been arrested, with the DGCIM, SEBIN, PNB, and GNB involved in the majority of these instances,” the statement from the institute revealed.
The organization believes this indicates that the Venezuelan regime is unwilling to halt the repression, but instead seeks to unleash its “fury” against the civilian population and Venezuelan political leadership in response to the unfavorable outcomes for the government in the presidential elections held on July 28.
“The widespread systematic repression and persecution not only continue but are worsening and show no signs of stopping. Nicolás Maduro is prepared to carry on with the crimes for which the State is under investigation, prioritizing his grip on power at the expense of Venezuelan lives.”
Casla Institute Requests Arrest Warrants for Venezuelan Intelligence Officials
In July, the Casla Institute requested that the International Criminal Court issue arrest warrants for four high-ranking officials from Venezuelan intelligence and police forces.
Those named are part of the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence, the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service, and the Bolivarian National Police.
The request is grounded in Article 58 of the Rome Statute, which permits the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber to order arrests if sufficient evidence exists indicating that a crime under its jurisdiction has been committed.
The organization asserts that these individuals have perpetrated serious crimes and that their arrest is essential to prevent them from committing further offenses or related crimes.
It claims to have numerous instances of complaints from victims, family members, and witnesses accusing these officials of systematic repression and persecution.
“The Casla Institute possesses multiple files containing numerous complaints from victims, their families, and witnesses who have directly accused these individuals as part of the systematic repression and persecution executed by the Venezuelan State against both the civilian and military populations,” it stated.
The accusations include arbitrary arrests, torture, sexual violence, and political persecution. According to the institute, these crimes are still being perpetrated.
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The Casla Institute has recently called for immediate action from the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding the Venezuelan government’s systemic human rights abuses. The organization’s request comes amid a backdrop of escalating repression under the regime of Nicolás Maduro, which has been characterized by widespread crimes against humanity.
According to the Casla Institute, the atrocities committed by Maduro and his administration include widespread systematic repression, harassment, arbitrary detentions, torture and sexual violence. These heinous acts reflect a brutal approach to silencing dissent and maintaining power.
Current Situation of Detained Individuals in Venezuela
The organization highlighted that over 2,500 individuals are currently detained, many of whom have experienced enforced disappearances and various forms of physical and psychological torture. The Venezuelan intelligence and military forces, particularly the DGCIM, SEBIN, PNB, and GNB, play pivotal roles in these human rights violations.
Human Rights Abuses Reported
- Arbitrary detentions
- Temporary enforced disappearances
- Torture (physical and psychological)
- Sexual violence and rape
- Intimidation and threats against family members
Reasons Behind the Request for Arrest Warrants
The Casla Institute, in its recent appeal to the ICC, has indicated that the ongoing human rights abuses stem from the Venezuelan government’s refusal to cease operations against its populace. They view these actions as a reaction to growing dissent, especially in light of recent electoral outcomes.
As the presidential elections on July 28 approached, it became clear that the regime’s suppression tactics only intensified, prompting the Casla Institute to take action. The organization emphasizes that Maduro’s regime is determined to continue these crimes against humanity at any cost to remain in power.
Call for Accountability: Specific Arrest Warrants Requested
In July, the Casla Institute expanded its efforts by calling for arrest warrants against four high-ranking officials within the Venezuelan intelligence and police forces. This list includes names associated with the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence, the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), and the Bolivarian National Police (PNB).
Legal Basis for Arrest Warrants
The request for arrest warrants is grounded in Article 58 of the Rome Statute, which allows the ICC to issue warrants based on substantial evidence of crimes under its jurisdiction. The organization argues that the lack of accountability for these high-ranking officials contributes to the cycle of violence and oppression.
Accusations Against Venezuelan Officials
The allegations against Maduro’s regime and its officials are numerous and grave. According to the Casla Institute, documented evidence includes:
| Type of Abuse | Description | Frequency of Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Arbitrary Arrests | Detaining individuals without justification or legal process | Thousands documented annually |
| Torture | Bodily harm and coercive interrogation methods | Reported in hundreds of cases |
| Sexual Violence | Acts of sexual violence against detainees | Documented as a tactic of intimidation |
| Political Persecution | Targeting opposition leaders and activists | Ongoing, increasing with each electoral cycle |
The Role of International Community
The Casla Institute’s plea underscores the necessity for the international community to unite against these flagrant violations. Calls for legal repercussions underscore the critical role the ICC and global nations play in advocating for justice in Venezuela. The inadequacy of local systems to address these crimes amplifies the need for international scrutiny.
Global Implications of Venezuelan Repression
The human rights crisis unfolding in Venezuela holds significant implications for regional stability and international law. Countries have a collective responsibility to advocate for human rights protections worldwide. As reports of human rights abuses persist, pressure mounts for international organizations to take decisive actions.
Further Resources and Support
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