UN Report: Venezuela Intensifies Repression After Maduro's Re-election

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A United Nations fact-finding mission reported that Venezuela's government increased repressive measures following President Nicolas Maduro's re-election in July. The UN Human Rights Council's report, released Tuesday, indicated that the government’s response to opposition and protests after the contested election contributed to one of the country's most significant human rights crises in recent years.

According to the report, 25 protesters were killed, with 24 deaths caused by gunshot wounds. Over 2,400 people were arrested, including more than 100 children, with many facing charges related to terrorism and incitement to hatred. The mission also noted multiple due process violations in these arrests.

The opposition has accused the government of electoral fraud, with opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez seeking asylum in Spain after an arrest warrant was issued against him. The UN mission has further reported an increase in disappearances and torture in Venezuela since 2019. The Venezuelan government has not cooperated with the fact-finding mission.