reflection of repression in Venezuela

The departure of Edmundo González Urrutia from Venezuela after receiving asylum in Spain has put the spotlight on the growing repression of Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

Gonzalez, a prominent activist and critic of the Venezuelan government, has been the target of threats and persecution that ultimately led him to accept refuge in Europe amid work that, according to statements by Maria Corina Machado, It was carried out to protect the life of the representative of the Unit in the Venezuelan presidential elections held on July 28.

Edmundo González, known for his firm stance against the authoritarian policies of the Maduro regime, has been a constant target of harassment. According to national and international media reports, González and his closest circle were victims of harassment and threats of imprisonment by security forces and groups allied with the Venezuelan government.

The pressure on her life and the escalation of violence against her culminated in her decision to leave the country in search of safety.

Opposition member Edmundo González Urrutia shows a ballot from the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela. | Photo: EFE

Organizations denounced an increase in repression by the Venezuelan regime after the elections

González’s case is not an isolated incident. In recent years, NGOs such as Foro Penal have warned of the increase in the persecution of opponents and human rights defenders in Venezuela to silence those who criticize the regime, using intimidation tactics, violence and arbitrary arrests.

However, since July 29, amid protests in several states in Venezuela, organizations have warned that security forces have increased the level of aggression against detainees, including minors.

According to reports from the Penal Forum, in Venezuela there are 1,808 political prisoners between the periods of July 29 and September 9, 2024, according to a published report on September 11 on the social network X.

Of those arrested, 60 were minors between the ages of 14 and 17, 226 were women and 157 were military personnel.

Photo: screenshot from Foro Penal published in X @foropenal on September 11.

The international community has expressed concern about the growing repression and called for the protection of the rights of activists and dissidents.

His arrival in Spain

González’s arrival in Spain has been received with solidarity by the international community and human rights organizations. According to international reports, the Spanish government offered asylum to González in order to guarantee his safety and defend human rights. However, Spain’s protection of the former ambassador has generated tensions between the two nations in recent weeks.

Maria Corina Machado reiterated that González’s departure It was for their safety and guaranteed that He will return “at the right time” to be sworn in as president-elect of Venezuela and head of the National Armed Forces.

“The regime did everything to make Edmundo leave, threatening him and putting pressure on his entourage in a brutal and cruel way. The regime is becoming weaker and more isolated every day. Venezuelans are determined to move forward until popular sovereignty is upheld and Edmundo González is sworn in as president of Venezuela,” Machado said during an interview with the American channel. Telemundo.

The leader of the opposition party Vente Venezuela said that she remains in constant communication with González Urrutia and that they will continue working together to reestablish democracy in the country.