ProtectDefenders.eu has reported an increase in arbitrary detentions and intimidation in Venezuela as part of a systematic crackdown on dissidents, including human rights defenders. This repression escalated after the disputed presidential election of July 28, 2024, in which Nicolás Maduro’s controversial victory was announced on July 29. Allegations of electoral fraud, irregularities, and lack of transparency by the National Electoral Council (CNE) sparked nationwide protests. In response, at least 25 people have been killed and over 2,400 arrested, according to human rights organisations Provea and the United Nations.
ProtectDefenders.eu has recently received alarming reports of the arbitrary detentions of Kennedy Tejeda, Edward Ocariz, and the temporary detention and release of Yendri Omar Velásquez. Kennedy Tejeda, a lawyer for the NGO Criminal Forum, was arrested by the Bolivarian National Guard on August 2 while investigating the situation of detainees in Carabobo state. His whereabouts remain unknown, and he has been denied access to legal counsel and his family. Edward Ocariz, a community leader and human rights advocate in Caracas, was arrested the same day by masked state security officers. He has been held incommunicado since August 8, with no explanation for his detention.
On August 3, Yendri Omar Velásquez, director of the Observatory of LGBTIQ Violence, was arrested at Maiquetía airport while preparing to travel to Geneva to represent a coalition of organisations at the UN. He was informed that his passport had been canceled and was held for several hours before being released. His detention is seen as an attempt to prevent his participation in international human rights advocacy.
In addition to these arrests, the Venezuelan Parliament passed the “Law on the Control, Regularisation, Action and Financing of Non-Governmental and Related Organisations” on August 15, 2024. This law further restricts civil society by imposing government authorisation for NGOs to operate and requiring them to declare any foreign funding. The law is viewed as part of a broader effort to isolate and control civil society organisations, undermining their freedom to operate independently.
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders – a partnership between OMCT and FIDH, ProtectDefenders.eu partners – expresses deep concern over the detentions of Kennedy Tejeda and Edward Ocariz, viewing them as reprisals for their legitimate human rights work. It also condemns the annulment of Yendri Omar Velásquez’s passport and his arbitrary detention. These actions form part of a broader pattern of harassment aimed at limiting the activities of human rights defenders in Venezuela.
Additionally, freedom of the press in Venezuela has come under severe threat since Maduro’s disputed election victory. Journalists have been subjected to censorship, threats, and arrests, especially during protests against alleged electoral fraud. In just two weeks, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) documented at least 70 attacks on the press. These include 18 cases of restricted access, 30 acts of intimidation, nine detentions (with four journalists still imprisoned), nine expulsions of foreign journalists, and four physical assaults.
One of the most serious incidents involved journalist Jesús Romero, who was shot twice while covering protests in Maracay. Cameraman Yousner Alvarado was arrested by the Bolivarian National Guard while heading to report on protests in Barinas on July 29. Accused of terrorism, he remains incommunicado, unable to contact his lawyer or family. Several other journalists have faced similar fates, including Joaquin de Ponte, Paul León, and Gabriel Rodríguez, who were arrested while covering protests in their communities.
