As the US Department of the Treasury issued a license to Chevron to drill for oil in Venezuela, relaxing the 2019 sanctions applied to Venezuela under the Trump administration, Venezuelan dissidents are protesting, reminding the world that the Maduro regime continues to engage in what are internationally recognized crimes. against humanity
Officially, the historic US policy shift was a response to the Maduro regime’s dialogue with the opposition over spending on a humanitarian budget. However, the policy change has left many Venezuelan activists and dissidents disillusioned given the current human rights situation in the country.
Venezuela remains the most egregious abuser of human rights in the Americas and, according to a 2019 UN report, is complicit in 7,000 cases of extrajudicial killings since the mass protests against the Maduro government began.
Nicolás Maduro, President of Venezuela, speaks during a press conference at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
(Matias Delacroix/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
US TREASURY AUTHORIZES CHEVRON TO EXPAND OIL PUMPING IN VENEZUELA
Maduro’s critics say political opponents are frequently harassed, intimidated, imprisoned and even tortured and killed.
Retired Colonel Igor Marin served in the Venezuelan army from 1965 to 1999. In comments to Fox News Digital, he spoke about the case of his son, political prisoner Igbert Marin, who is currently on a hunger strike at a military intelligence facility. Venezuelan.
“My son, Lieutenant Colonel Igbert Marin, received a sentence of seven and a half years for ‘inciting rebellion’ based on the false testimony of a witness. During his imprisonment, he has been subjected to cruel and degrading treatment, as well as torture. Currently, he is on his 10th day of hunger strike.”
Observers claim that the entire Venezuelan state budget is used for one purpose: to maintain the power of the regime and force the population to comply. Heavily discounted food, health care and gasoline are routinely lavished on Maduro supporters and denied to regime opponents.
Alfredo Romero, director of Foro Penal, the country’s largest organization representing political prisoners, has been at the forefront of defending human rights against abuses by the Maduro administration.
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Soldiers march during the country’s Independence Day parade in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, July 5, 2022.
(Matias Delacroix/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Officially, Venezuela has 277 political prisoners, but since 2014 we have documented 16,000 cases of political prisoners…People are detained, tortured, and killed for political reasons, with the systematic use of torture against political prisoners…The violation of human rights in Venezuela is systematic and there is no investigation,” Romero said.
Torture used against Venezuelans according to rights groups includes waterboarding, electric shocks and sexual assault.
The Maduro regime is widely regarded as an international pariah that has lost all vestige of democratic legitimacy, with neither the United States nor the European Union currently recognizing Maduro as head of state. Nonetheless, the Venezuelan opposition and the Maduro regime recently resumed talks in Mexico City with the aim of discussing a framework for the 2024 Venezuelan presidential elections and approving a humanitarian budget for much-needed social spending for the Venezuelan people, a budget that includes education, health and food, among other things.
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Anti-government protesters block a highway in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, April 24, 2017.
(AP)
The situation also remains dangerous for the free press in Venezuela. The journalist Ángel de León pointed out: “Censorship has always existed. It is the easiest way for the regime to take away from the Venezuelan the right to free thought.”
De León continued: “There are fewer and fewer means of communication due to the persecutions of regulatory bodies such as Conatel. So far this year, there are more than 70 closed radio stations in the country. The critical press ceased to exist. The few media outlets that exist are either in the hands of the Maduro regime or self-censor for fear of being permanently shut down.”
Romero added that “institutions are made for political persecution. The judicial system is a weapon for political persecution.”
US President Joe Biden speaks at a Tribal Nations Summit in the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House, in Washington on November 15, 2021.
(MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Observers say that political oppression aside, everyday Venezuelan life remains hell for its citizens. De León warned: “There is no investment in education… people continue to die from malnutrition, the hospital system does not have any type of investment, maintenance, and much less financing. No infrastructure of any kind has been created in recent years. basic services continue. Fuel is a sacrifice for Venezuelans because of the cost. The insecurity has not stopped.
At the time of the deal announcement, the Treasury Department said: “The announcements by the Unitary Platform and the Maduro regime are important steps in the right direction to restore democracy in the country.” He went on to say that “the United States welcomes and supports the reopening of negotiations between the Unitary Platform and the Maduro regime, as part of our longstanding policy of supporting the peaceful restoration of democracy, free and fair elections, and respect for rights and freedoms of Venezuelans.
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A Chevron spokesperson told Fox News Digital: “We reiterate our commitment to conduct our business in accordance with the framework provided. OFAC’s decision brings greater transparency to the Venezuelan oil sector.” The spokesperson added: “We are determined to remain a constructive presence in the country and continue to support social investment programs aimed at providing humanitarian aid.”
Fox News’ Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
