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UN highlights persistent rights abuses post-Maduro
The United Nations' top human rights official has expressed grave concerns over reports of continued torture and arbitrary detentions in Venezuela, despite the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro in January and the recent passage of an amnesty law.
Amnesty law falls short, says UN
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, acknowledged the amnesty law enacted under interim leader Delcy Rodríguez but stressed that systemic human rights issues remain unresolved. Rodríguez, a close ally of Maduro, assumed power following his removal by US forces.
Türk addressed the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, stating that many Venezuelans remain in arbitrary detention, including at least one child. He called for greater transparency from Venezuelan authorities, citing a lack of access to detention centers and official records of released detainees.
Discrepancies in release figures
The Venezuelan parliament, controlled by Maduro loyalists, reported that over 7,700 individuals had been granted "full freedom" under the amnesty law. However, prisoners' rights group Foro Penal confirmed the release of fewer than 700 detainees, with more than 500 still imprisoned for political reasons.
Türk urged authorities to provide an official list of those released and allow unrestricted access to detention facilities, requests that have so far gone unanswered.
Allegations of torture persist
The UN office has received reports of ongoing torture and mistreatment in detention centers, including Rodeo 1 and Fuerte Guaicaipuro. Türk's remarks follow an update from the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, which documented continued human rights violations since January 3.
The Mission has previously recorded cases of torture, sexual violence, and other cruel treatment in Venezuelan prisons.
Venezuela rejects UN findings
Venezuelan officials have dismissed the UN's concerns as biased and unfounded. Foreign Minister Yván Gil accused Türk of echoing "extremist" narratives in a Telegram post. Venezuelan authorities have consistently labeled previous reports from the Fact-Finding Mission as politicized and driven by external interests.
Call for accountability
Türk emphasized the need for independent verification of conditions in detention centers and urged Venezuelan authorities to address the discrepancies in release figures. The UN continues to monitor the situation closely amid ongoing reports of rights abuses.
