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Human Rights Watch Reports Ongoing Political Repression in Venezuela for 2025

KVIA•Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 12:15 PM•CNN Newsource

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In its annual report, Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlights severe political repression in Venezuela throughout 2025, coinciding with Nicolás Maduro's third presidential term. The report details arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and intimidation tactics against journalists and activists, particularly following the disputed elections of July 28, 2024. HRW notes that at least 24 individuals died and many were arrested during a government-led campaign of intimidation. The report also mentions ongoing abuses such as torture and denial of legal rights for detainees. Despite claims of amnesty and prisoner releases by the interim government, HRW warns that many former prisoners face restrictions and intimidation upon release.

Key Details: • Disputed elections on July 28, 2024, led to increased repression. • At least 24 deaths reported due to government actions in 2025. • HRW documented 321 cases of intimidation and arbitrary detentions in the first half of 2025. • As of January 2025, five human rights defenders were detained, later released. • New laws impose severe penalties for those supporting sanctions against Venezuela.

human-rights venezuela maduro political-repression hrw

People & Organizations

VenezuelaNicolás MaduroHuman Rights WatchCaracasEdmundo González UrrutiaDelcy RodríguezJorge RodríguezSindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Prensa

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