- The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Association and Assembly, Gina Romero, demanded that the Venezuelan authorities respect electoral guarantees
Gina Romero, the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Association and Assembly, expressed her concern about the “pre-electoral” situation in Venezuela.
Through his X account, Romero cited statements by President Nicolás Maduro, who recently declared that there would be “bloodbaths” in Venezuela if he lost the presidential elections to be held on July 28.
“I have received very worrying information about the pre-election situation in Venezuela. I call for respect for electoral guarantees and for the action of opposition parties, the media, and civil society involved in Sunday’s elections. Of particular concern is the serious announcement of a bloodbath made by President Maduro if he loses the elections,” the UN representative wrote on July 26.
The group also reported that it has received reports of “persecution” against social organizations, journalists and media outlets, as well as restrictions on Internet access.
“At this historic moment, it is urgent that necessary measures be taken to facilitate citizens going to the polls freely, without logistical restrictions or harassment, as well as transparency and legality in the process of counting votes and announcing results,” he said.
“Arbitrary detentions”
Romero also denounced reports of “harassment” and “arbitrary detentions” against political leaders, as well as representatives of companies and businesses that have provided spaces for opposition party assemblies.
He recalled that on April 30, the international organization sent a letter to the government of Nicolás Maduro rejecting the arrests of opponents, however, he assured that they have not received a response.
Romero’s statements are in line with those of Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who on July 3 denounced the arrests of people with positions opposed to the government.
“Since May 2023, we have documented 28 arrests of people with dissident views. These practices must end immediately. I urge accountability for those who are victims of repression,” said Türk during a meeting with the organization’s member states.
Other reactions against Maduro’s statements
Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil and Gabriel Boric of Chile expressed their rejection of Maduro’s remarks during a public event in Caracas on July 16.
“I was scared by that statement (…) If (Maduro) wants to contribute to solving the problem of growth in Venezuela and the return of those who left, he has to respect the democratic process,” he said. Lula da Silva in an interview with the media international on July 22.
Boric, for his part, expressed his support for his Brazilian counterpart and considered it “inconceivable” that the Venezuelan president would threaten “bloodbaths” if he does not win the elections.
“I agree with and support Lula’s statements: under no circumstances can we threaten bloodbaths. What the leaders and candidates receive is a bloodbath and these bloodbaths represent popular sovereignty, which must be respected,” Boric said on July 25 in a meeting with foreign correspondents.
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2024-07-27 13:43:59
