Human Rights Watch reports security forces and pro-government armed groups killed 23 protesters after disputed election in Venezuela.
An international rights group, Human Rights Watch (HRW), has condemned Venezuela’s security forces and pro-government armed groups for committing widespread abuses following the contested presidential election in July. HRW’s report revealed that 23 protesters were killed by the national guard, police force, and armed groups known as “colectivos” in the aftermath of the July 28 election.
Thousands took to the streets across Venezuela following the electoral authorities’ announcement of President Nicolas Maduro’s victory, which was disputed by the opposition. Maduro’s regime responded with excessive force, leading to arbitrary detentions, prosecutions, and a campaign encouraging people to report protest participants.
HRW’s Americas director, Juanita Goebertus, stated, “The repression we are seeing in Venezuela is shockingly brutal.” The group documented killings and mass arrests during the protests, highlighting the lack of transparency in the election results.
Global condemnation against Maduro has grown, with the US, EU, and other Latin American countries refusing to recognize his victory without a detailed breakdown of votes. The situation in Venezuela continues to draw outrage and calls for respect of human rights and democratic principles.