Statement at the 55th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on Venezuela
Delivered by Marysabel Rodríguez
Thank you Mr. President,
Government persecution is more brutal, this time before elections, moments in which state violence increases.
The abuse of power as punishment continues against human rights defenders, activists, journalists, social leaders, union leaders, politicians and citizens.
Carlos Salazar, a retired worker of the state company PDVSA, is detained and was subjected to forced disappearance for more than 20 days, after disseminating a video showing Alex Saab, an official prosecuted for money laundering, walking through a shopping mall.
Censorship increases with the approaching elections. The government prohibited the coverage of the opposition primaries, under the excuse that it was an illegal act, denying also free association.
At least 12 radio stations were closed in 2023, under arbitrary processes that do not guarantee the right to defense. Between January and February 2024, eight radio stations were closed. Electricity blackouts and digital media blockades continue.
There were at least 10 arrests in 2023 for "incitement to hatred", most of them against union and social leaders, for disseminating information of public interest or questioning the government.
We urgently call on this Council to strengthen the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner and that of the Fact-Finding Mission. To deny follow-up mechanisms leaves the population even more defenseless, especially in the face of an electoral process without guarantees for basic civil liberties.
We thank you.
