ICC Prosecutor Calls for Release of Political Prisoners in Venezuela
Karim Khan, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has made a strong appeal for the release of political prisoners and minors detained in Venezuela. This demand comes in the wake of a global protest criticizing the ICC's perceived inaction regarding crimes against humanity committed by the Venezuelan government under President Nicolás Maduro. Following the elections held on July 28, 2024, Khan emphasized the urgent need to protect the rights of civilians, particularly children, who have been detained for political reasons or for peacefully protesting against electoral fraud.
Ongoing Investigations and Human Rights Concerns
Khan's remarks were delivered during the ICC's annual meeting of member countries, where he reiterated that the ICC's independent investigations into the situation in Venezuela are ongoing. He expressed disappointment over the lack of concrete actions from the Venezuelan government to implement laws and practices that would uphold human rights. According to Khan, the Maduro regime has detained over 2,000 individuals, including at least 168 minors, since the elections. While some political prisoners have been released, many remain incarcerated, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and justice.
The Path Forward for Venezuela
The ICC Prosecutor stressed that the responsibility now lies with the Venezuelan authorities to cooperate with the ICC and allow access to human rights representatives. He noted that the avenues for complementarity—where national jurisdictions take responsibility for prosecuting crimes—are diminishing. Khan's statements have been hailed by human rights advocates as a significant acknowledgment of the ongoing human rights violations in Venezuela, with lawyer Delsa Solórzano calling it a victory for the cause of justice in the country.
