A group of more than 240 parliamentarians from the Latin American region spoke out to provide support for the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Venezuela, which studies possible crimes against humanity carried out by State security forces.
The parliamentarians who signed the text are from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Dominican Republic and Uruguay.
In their statement, they announce their support for the investigation by the ICC Prosecutor’s Office into “alleged crimes committed by Venezuelan officials since at least February 12, 2014.”
The statement repudiates alleged “serious human rights violations such as arbitrary detentions, political persecution, sexual violence and torture.”
Specifically, the parliamentarians pointed to “the systematic repression and persecution against Venezuelans,” as well as “the persecution against members and directors of political parties, union members, lawyers, journalists, human rights defenders and activists or people who peacefully demonstrate or protest against the Government of Nicolás Maduro”.
Recently, the ICC confirmed the judges Reine Alapini-Gansou, María del Socorro Flores Liera and Lulia Motoc in the investigation into the alleged commission of crimes against humanity in Venezuela.
According to the information published on its website by the ICC, the cases carried out by this organization on Venezuela in the files “Venezuela I” and “Venezuela II”, will be assigned to Pre-Trial Chamber I, which will be composed of female judges.
«3 judges will be in charge of the Investigation for crimes against humanity, Venezuela I. The Presidency of the International Criminal Court today ratified judges Reine Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera, and appointed judge Iulia Motoc , replacing the outgoing judge Péter Kovács»the NGO Provea posted on the social network X.
#Parliamentarians #support #investigation #crimes #humanity #Venezuela
ICC investigations
Analysis: Over 240 Latin American Parliamentarians Back ICC Investigation into Venezuela’s Crimes Against Humanity
In a bold move, more than 240 parliamentarians from various countries in the Latin American region have come together to voice their support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into Venezuela’s alleged crimes against humanity. This development highlights the escalating international pressure on Venezuela to address its troubling human rights record.
According to reports, the ICC investigation, which was opened in 2021, is focused on examining possible crimes against humanity committed by Venezuela’s state security forces [[1]]. The probe is part of a broader effort to hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable. The preliminary examination into these crimes was first announced by the ICC in February 2018 [[3]].
The parliamentarians who signed the text in support of the ICC investigation represent a dozen countries from the Latin American region, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay. This regional backing sends a strong message to Venezuela that the international community is united in its demands for accountability and justice.
The gravity of the situation in Venezuela has been highlighted by Amnesty International, which recently urged the ICC prosecutor to take urgent action in response to the ongoing crimes committed in the country [[2]]. In an open letter to the ICC prosecutor, Amnesty International emphasized the need for swift and decisive action to address the scale and gravity of these crimes.
This development is significant, as it underscores the growing recognition among Latin American countries that international cooperation and accountability are essential for promoting human rights and the rule of law in the region. By backing the ICC investigation, these parliamentarians are sending a powerful message that crimes against humanity will not be tolerated and that those responsible will be held accountable.
the backing of over 240 Latin American parliamentarians for the ICC investigation into Venezuela’s crimes against humanity is a significant step forward for human rights in the region. This development underscores the importance of international cooperation and accountability in promoting justice and the rule of law.
