Electoral violence in Venezuela: 4 people killed and 749 arrested during protests against Maduro

Presidential election in Venezuela: A bloodbath and mass arrests during the demonstrations

\n\nFour people have been confirmed dead and at least 749 arrested during protests that broke out against the government of President Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. These protests were organized in response to the call of Juan Guaidó, the opposition leader recognized by several countries as the interim president of Venezuela. \n\n

Renewed violence in a context of political crisis

\n\nThe Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict (OVCS) confirmed that the victims, killed during anti-Maduro, were all men. Two of them were under 20 years old. Details regarding the circumstances of their death remain unclear. \n\nThis new wave of violence occurred in a context of exacerbated political crisis. Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, is facing increasingly strong protests. The head of state is accused by the opposition and part of the international community of having won the 2018 presidential election thanks to a dubious electoral process.\n\n

Mass arrests and human rights abuses

\n\nIn addition to the victims, the Venezuelan Penal Forum, a human rights NGO, announced that 749 people had been arrested during the protests. Among those arrested were many minors and students. \n\nThe United Nations (UN) and several human rights organizations have expressed concern about these violations. \n\n

An international call for appeasement

\n\nFaced with this situation, the international community has expressed its deep concern. The European Union called for "all violence to be avoided" and reiterated its demand for "a political, peaceful and democratic solution to the Venezuelan crisis."\n\nSeveral countries have expressed support for Juan Guaidó, himself arrested for a short period on January 13, who said he was ready to assume the country's interim presidency to hold new elections. \n\nFor the moment, the situation remains tense Venezuela, with protests and arrests continuing despite calls for peace and respect for human rights. \n\n