The ICC prosecutor believes there is “reasonable basis” to believe that Venezuela has committed crimes against humanity, according to a report published by her office.
In September, UN investigators found that the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro committed systematic human rights violations, including murder and torture, that amounted to crimes against humanity.
The Hague-based court has been studying the Venezuela case since 2018 and expects to determine in 2021 whether to open a full investigation, according to a report on the office’s activities for 2020 released on Monday. “The office has concluded that the information available at this stage provides a reasonable basis for believing that since at least April 2017, individuals from the civilian authorities, members of the armed forces and government loyalists have committed crimes against humanity,” the report stated.
In 2017, protesters led months of protests against the government for undermining the opposition-led Legislative Council, a period marred by accusations of torture, arbitrary detention, and abuse by security forces. The protests left 125 people dead.
The Venezuelan Ministry of Information did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Leaders of the ruling Socialist Party have previously said that such demonstrations were violent efforts to overthrow Maduro and insist that those who commit human rights violations are subject to legal prosecution.
Although Maduro’s opponents celebrated the ICC investigation into Venezuela, few believe the process is likely to lead to short-term change in the ailing country.
The ICC’s criminal procedures extend for years and have had difficulty in the past in implementing arrest warrants when issued.
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