From Bogotá on Monday, Agnès Callamard, the Secretary General of Amnesty International, highlighted that despite the arrest of Nicolás Maduro in January, Venezuela's repressive strategies remain intact, according to statements reported by EFE.
While acknowledging some "advancements" in human rights over the past six months, including the release of certain detainees, Callamard warned that these improvements might be superficial and easily reversible.
"Our assessment indicates some progress: certain individuals have been freed. However, our primary concern is the unchanged nature of the repression mechanisms: the same personnel, the same laws, the same institutions, the same police force—nothing has altered," the organization's leader stated.
Concerns Over Superficial Changes
Callamard emphasized that the interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez has not taken sufficient steps to dismantle the deeply entrenched repressive structure.
"We commend the release of individuals. This is a significant change, especially for them and their families. We also welcome the return of some people to Venezuela, yet we are concerned that this may be very superficial and can be swiftly undone," she expressed.
Scrutiny of Amnesty and Human Rights
Following Maduro's arrest, Rodríguez's administration introduced an amnesty law touted to benefit over 8,000 individuals. However, independent organizations like Foro Penal verified only 768 actual releases since January, noting that many of the purported beneficiaries were already free under precautionary measures and not incarcerated.
Amnesty International's warnings come shortly after a UN Mission concluded that Venezuela's repressive apparatus remains untouched, documenting 64 new cases of torture since January, with at least 19 previously implicated officials still in key positions, and between 379 and 500 individuals detained for political reasons.
Callamard encapsulated the situation with a vivid metaphor: "We are deeply concerned that while the tip of the iceberg might be slightly more visible, there is a vast, unchanging iceberg of repression beneath."
Maduro's Legal Challenges in the United States
Regarding Maduro's ongoing judicial process in the United States—where he faces charges of narcoterrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of destructive weapons—AI's Secretary General was equally critical.
"Currently, he is facing judges in the U.S. in conditions akin to a kidnapping. This does not represent justice for the Venezuelan people," she remarked.
According to Amnesty International, genuine justice requires Maduro to be held accountable in Venezuela for crimes against humanity committed against political prisoners and the general populace, a scenario that Callamard admitted seems unlikely: "Justice for the people means he should answer for the crimes committed against them. There are no signs this will occur."
Maduro has pleaded not guilty in the Southern District of New York's federal court, with his trial scheduled for 2027, while Delcy Rodríguez strengthens her grip on the Venezuelan government without dismantling the Chavista repression structures.
Amnesty International's Perspective on Venezuela's Repression
What are Amnesty International's main concerns about Venezuela?
Amnesty International is primarily concerned that Venezuela's repressive mechanisms remain unchanged, with the same personnel, laws, and institutions still in place.
What has Amnesty International said about the amnesty law introduced by Delcy Rodríguez's government?
Amnesty International, alongside other organizations, has pointed out that while the government claimed the amnesty law benefited over 8,000 individuals, only 768 real releases were verified, with many supposed beneficiaries already free under precautionary measures.