Venezuela's Government Intensifies Repression Following Controversial Election

A UN report highlights the Venezuelan government's intensified crackdown on peaceful protests following the July presidential election. Authorities targeted opposition, independent media, and dissenters. The crackdown resulted in 25 deaths and 2,400 arrests. Allegations of torture and forced disappearances have also increased. The UN's fact-finding mission continues its mandate.

Venezuela's government has significantly ramped up efforts to suppress peaceful protest and bolster its repressive machinery in the wake of the July presidential election, according to a report from a UN fact-finding mission released Tuesday.

The report indicates that Venezuelan authorities have acted in a "conscious and deliberate" manner to dismantle the opposition, inhibit independent information dissemination, and stifle peaceful protests. Marta Valinas, chair of the fact-finding mission, highlighted an intensification of state repression in response to critical views, opposition, or dissent.

The mission documented a series of troubling incidents, including 25 deaths, mostly from gunshot wounds during post-election protests, and 2,400 arrests. The report condemns the state's severe repressive response, which has fostered a climate of fear and silenced opposition voices. It also highlights increased cases of alleged forced disappearances and torture. The UN Human Rights Council's mission in Venezuela continues its extended mandate to investigate these actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)