Venezuela: Independent UN investigators call for immediate release of all political prisoners
“Any step that restores the freedom of persons arbitrarily detained is of great importance to those involved and to their families,” said independent UN human rights investigators. said in a press release Monday, noting that of the country’s estimated 800 political prisoners, only about 50 appear to have been released so far.
The Council for Human Rights-mandated Fact-finding mission on Venezuela said the partial release fell far short of the government’s international human rights obligations to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained.
The move comes as the country adjusts to the new leadership under acting President Delcy Rodríguez. The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has called the Venezuelan authorities and the United States to ensure full respect for international law, and expressed concern about further militarization in the country.
‘An instrument of repression’
The fact-finding mission extensively documented what it characterized as the widespread and systematic use of arbitrary detention as a tool of repression and reiterated its call for the “immediate and unconditional” release of all political prisoners.
The experts also urged authorities to provide public information on detainees and bring detention conditions into line with international law, including by immediately ending torture and cruel treatment.
“Family members must receive clear and timely information about the fate, whereabouts and legal status of their loved ones, as well as guaranteed access and regular visits” they said.
Investigators said they had received information about armed individuals collectiveor government-backed armed groups, which have reportedly been patrolling cities and intimidating the population since the US operation, while new arrests have been made during the crisis for those expressing dissenting political views.
Past findings
The Independent Fact-Finding Mission for Venezuela has cited multiple rights violations since its establishment in 2019.
In his research During the disputed 2024 presidential election, the mission’s findings included arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances and torture.
This mission said authorities had failed to follow through on recommendations to investigate human rights violations and take action to prevent their recurrence.
Researchers also found that during the peak of protests in 2014, 2017, 2019 and 2024, officials of Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Guard used excessive force, including the improper use of lethal and less-lethal weapons, among other violations.
