Government Detains Over 2,400 Amidst Allegations of Election Fraud; Opposition Calls for Renewed Protests as Pressure Mounts
Why Was the Opposition Lawyer Detained?
Perkins Rocha, the attorney defending Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, has been forcibly taken by unidentified persons; his location is unclear right now. As the legal counsel for the opposition group Vente Venezuela, Rocha also represents the most recent in a line of opposition-linked personalities singled out following last month’s disputed presidential race.
In a statement denouncing the kidnapping, Vente Venezuela said, “Perkins Rocha has been grabbed by force. We hold the regime responsible for his safety; we do not know where he is being confined.” His imprisonment adds to the already long list of those taken by police as President Nicolás Maduro’s regime gets more aggressive in suppressing opposition. The United Nations claims that over the previous month, more than 2,400 individuals have been arrested, resulting in what it calls “a climate of fear” throughout the nation.
Is Political Persecution in Venezuela Growing?
Since 29 July, the day the government-owned National Electoral Council (CNE) announced President Maduro the victor of a third straight term in office, rights group Provea has cautioned that political persecution in Venezuela has been getting more severe. Still, the CNE’s declaration has generated debate.
Although the CNE said Maduro prevailed with 52% of the vote, the opposition argues the results were manipulated. With 67% of the vote, Edmundo González, the candidate from the opposition, claims he won compared to Maduro’s 30%. González said in a press conference, “We have the evidence to prove it,” adding that the CNE’s denial of providing comprehensive tallies from polling stations raises grave questions on the integrity of the election process.
The opposition alliance has boldly posted copies of the voting totals to the internet for public inspection. Comprising about 80% of the entire vote tally, independent studies have confirmed the scans of over 23,000 tallies. Their statistics show González has an edge of more than 3.7 million votes over Maduro, throwing more questions on the official government figures.
How Has Maduro Responded to the Election Dispute?
President Maduro has brought the subject before the Supreme Court, reacting to the opposition’s assertions. But because the court is mainly filled with Maduro supporters, this action has been greeted with suspicion both here and abroad. With the chairman of the Supreme Court, who also actively participates in the governing party, reading out the court’s judgment last week upholding the CME’s choice to name Maduro the victor,
Accusing both the court and the CNE of being fundamental components of the state’s “repressive machinery,” the United Nations Human Rights Council has questioned the impartiality and independence of the court. Concerned, a UN spokesman said, “The actions of these institutions are undermining democracy and perpetuating the repression of political dissent in Venezuela.”
Will There Be Renewed Protests Against the Government?
Venezuela’s opposition alliance has demanded once more the revelation of the whole voting totals, despite the mounting repression, and has called for further demonstrations on Wednesday. But with a recent appointment inside the Maduro regime, there are increasing concerns that these protests might be greeted with even more brutal repression by security authorities.
Hardliner Diosdado Cabello was appointed the new minister for the interior, justice, and peace on Tuesday; this position allows him direct authority over the National Guard and Venezuela’s dreaded covert police. Long champion of handling government opponents “with an iron fist,” Cabello is well-known for his strong allegiance to Maduro and harsh words about the opposition.
In a recent speech, Cabello reaffirmed his strict posture: “The opposition’s attempts to destabilize our nation will not be accepted. Those who want to disturb Venezuela’s tranquility will be confronted with the law’s full power.” He also said that opposition leaders Edmundo González and María Corina Machado “should be behind bars.”
What Is the Future for Opposition Leaders in Hiding?
González and Machado have gone into hiding as the crackdown became more severe and have resurfaced seldom to mobilize their fans. Despite the dangers, María Corina Machado, a strong opponent of Maduro’s government, inspires opposition members nevertheless. “We will not rest,” she said at a recent demonstration. “The truth will surface, and we will maintain pressure until justice is done.”
Many opposition members share Machado’s determination, but danger lurks on the path forward. The likelihood of more detentions looms as the government intensives its campaign, and Cabello now oversees critical security units.
Still, the resistance is uncompromising. They keep demanding global attention and assistance while preparing for the forthcoming demonstrations. One opposition official remarked, “This is not just about Venezuela.” “It’s about defending democracy and human rights in the face of a dictatorship that is ready to do whatever it takes to hang onto power.”
