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Caracas: A panel of experts enlisted by the Organization of American States has accused the Venezuelan government under President Nicolas Maduro of committing crimes against humanity, setting the stage for a potential investigation by the International Criminal Court.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores after his re-election last week.
Photo: APAfter spending months reviewing evidence and listening to witness testimonies, the experts said the socialist regime was involved in multiple murders and at least 12,000 cases of imprisonment and arbitrary detention. It also accused the authorities of torture, rape, political persecution and enforced disappearances.
A woman kicks at a riot police shield as relatives of prisoners wait to hear news about their family members imprisoned at a police station where a riot broke out, in Valencia, Venezuela.
Photo: APMaduro's administration has pursued a "massive assault on the rule of law in Venezuela," the panel said in a 400-page report published on Tuesday. Moreover, widespread attacks on the judiciary have prevented any "genuine legal proceedings to investigate the crimes against humanity."
The experts recommended that OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro submit the report to the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC, which could trigger an investigation of Venezuela's government by the international court.