Venezuela, Sep 04 (V7N) — Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report on Wednesday accusing Venezuelan security forces and pro-government armed groups of involvement in the deaths during protests following the disputed July presidential election.

 
The report reveals that the Venezuelan government’s violent response to the election, which was marred by controversy, involved the national guard and national police in some of the 24 deaths reported. Violent gangs aligned with the ruling party are also identified as responsible for additional fatalities.
 
Among the 24 victims, 23 were protesters or bystanders, and one was a member of the Bolivarian National Guard. “The repression in Venezuela is shockingly brutal,” said Juanita Goebertus, HRW’s director for the Americas. “It is crucial for concerned governments to act urgently to protect peaceful protest and uphold democratic processes.”
 
The report’s findings are supported by witness interviews, journalist accounts, death certificates, videos, photographs, and forensic analyses.
 
Protests erupted across Venezuela after President Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner by ruling party-affiliated electoral authorities. Although initially peaceful, the protests grew as demonstrators toppled statues of former leader Hugo Chávez, clashed with law enforcement, and vandalized property.
 
In response, Maduro’s government enacted severe measures, including arbitrary detentions and a campaign encouraging citizens to report dissenters.
 
One significant case highlighted is that of Rancés Daniel Yzarra Bolívar, a 30-year-old civil engineer and food truck worker who was killed during the July 29 protests in Maracay. Verified videos show Yzarra Bolívar being carried by protesters after being shot, amidst a scene involving tear gas and National Guard officers.
 
Following the election, Venezuelan authorities detained over 2,000 individuals, including children, journalists, and political figures. Many of those detained have been held incommunicado and denied legal representation.
 
HRW criticized the Venezuelan government for its lack of transparency and harsh treatment of dissenters. The international community’s condemnation has increased, particularly after a judge approved an arrest warrant for opposition candidate González, who claims to have won the election by a significant margin.
 
The report emphasizes the urgent need for international intervention to address human rights abuses and restore democratic integrity in Venezuela.
 
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