The structures that have sustained persecution in Venezuela for years have not been dismantled, and no State policies have been announced to begin that process. The International Fact-Finding Mission for Venezuela stated that the extensive legal and institutional machinery facilitating gross human rights violations and international crimes remains intact.
Since a recent leadership change, investigators have documented at least 87 new politically motivated detentions, indicating that silencing dissent persists. Government and military officials previously identified as responsible for crimes against humanity continue to hold power, with no signs that current authorities intend to bring them to justice.
While an amnesty law adopted in February has led to the release of some 621 political prisoners, concerns remain about the lack of transparency in the process. The Mission urged the immediate release of all remaining political detainees, including foreign nationals, and expressed worry over the continued mobilization of armed civilian groups and harassment of opposition figures and journalists. The international community must maintain its focus on Venezuela to ensure genuine institutional reform and an end to the culture of fear.