“They have been victims of abuse”
The United States government denounced this Saturday that the adolescents detained in Venezuela by state security agencies in post-election protests, have been victims of mistreatment during their arrest.
«Young people are our hope for the future and that is why we must take care of and protect them. However, in Venezuela detained adolescents have been victims of mistreatment, lack of food and water, and conditions that affect your mental health, including anxiety and depression«wrote the United States Embassy for Venezuela in its X account.
The organization demanded that their rights be respected and access to medical and psychological care be guaranteed. «Protecting youth is protecting the future», pointed out.
Young people are our hope for the future and that is why we must take care of and protect them. However, in Venezuela detained adolescents have been victims of mistreatment, lack of food and water, and conditions that affect their mental health, including anxiety and depression.… pic.twitter.com/1ywusXgEqq
— US Embassy, Venezuela (@usembassyve) December 6, 2024
Karim Khan, prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), on Monday urged the government of Nicolás Maduro to release the detained teenagers by State security agencies after the July 28 elections in which the official leader was proclaimed the winner by the National Electoral Council, a result indicated as fraudulent by the majority opposition and a good part of the international community.
«After this year’s elections I insisted in my communications with Venezuela and in public statements on the need to protect the rights of civilians, including children, “They should be released if they are detained for political reasons or anyone who was peacefully protesting.”Khan said during his speech at the opening session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute in The Hague.
The ICC Prosecutor’s Office also analyzes the complaints received after the presidential elections of July 28. «We are closely following current events in Venezuela following the presidential elections of July 28, 2024, and confirms that it is independently and impartially analyzing the information transmitted to it regarding allegations of crimes that may fall within the jurisdiction of the Cut,” the office said in September.
Political prisoners in Venezuela
The non-governmental organization Foro Penal, which leads the defense of political prisoners in Venezuelareported on Thursday that 1,905 people remain imprisoned.
He specified that 1,863 are adults and 42 adolescents between 14 and 17 years of age. To date, 149 people have been convicted.
International organizations have demanded the freedom of all political prisonerssince they defend the right to protest and freedom of expression. However, a wave of persecution was unleashed in the country against those who expressed ideals contrary to the Maduro government.
Those who are imprisoned face violations of their human rights due to the conditions in which they are held and the treatment they receive from security officials.
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