One year after the presidential election of July 28, 2024—widely denounced as fraudulent by both national and international actors—Venezuela is experiencing its darkest moment for human rights since the beginning of Nicolás Maduro’s regime. The electoral process, marked by the disqualification of opposition candidates, media censorship, and voter coercion, ended with the illegitimate proclamation of Maduro as president. This occurred despite the National Electoral Council openly altering electoral protocols and seizing the voting records, thereby deepening the institutional crisis that has plagued the country for over a decade.
Post-Election Repression: A Systematic Pattern
Far from seeking a democratic solution to the crisis, the de facto government has intensified its repression of opposition leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens critical of the regime. From August 2024 to date, human rights organizations have documented more than 2,000 arbitrary detentions related to political dissent. Among those detained are political party leaders as well as human rights defenders, journalists, and union members.
Many of these detainees have been prosecuted in military courts or charged with unfounded accusations such as “conspiracy,” “terrorism,” or “treason,” often in trials lacking the minimum guarantees of due process. Detention conditions in facilities such as El Helicoide or La Tumba continue to be denounced by international bodies due to the systematic use of physical and psychological torture.
Criminalization of Civil Society
Simultaneously, the regime has intensified its attacks on non-governmental organizations, accusing them of operating as “foreign agents” or engaging in “destabilization.” The NGO Law, approved by the regime-controlled National Assembly in January 2025, imposed harsh restrictions on the funding, registration, and operation of these organizations. As a result, dozens of NGOs have been forced to cease activities or leave the country, depriving vulnerable communities of basic legal, nutritional, and medical support services.
Division and Co-optation of the Opposition
Another pillar of the authoritarian strategy has been the deliberate attempt to divide the democratic opposition by promoting parallel leadership through the Supreme Court, buying off political figures, and encouraging internal fragmentation. While the regime continues to persecute leaders with broad popular support, it has elevated figures deemed convenient or acceptable to its project. Within this context, gubernatorial and mayoral elections were held on the last Sunday of July—without significant voter turnout, without a genuine opposition, without verifiable results, and without any surprises regarding the “winners.”
Despite these maneuvers, democratic sectors continue to coordinate efforts to keep the democratic struggle alive, document human rights violations, and support victims.
And the International Community?
Although the international community—especially the European Union, the OAS, and some Latin American governments—has rejected the 2024 election results, its concrete response has been insufficient. Diplomatic statements have failed to halt the escalating repression. The lack of a coordinated and sustained strategy undermines the impact of international pressure and gives the regime breathing room to continue its abuses.
Conclusion: This Is Not the Time to Look Away
One year after the electoral fraud, the human rights situation in Venezuela is critical. The country is now under a regime that has shifted from authoritarianism to outright totalitarianism, using the judicial, military, and media apparatus to stay in power by repressing anyone who dares to question it. Despite fear, censorship, and repression, millions of Venezuelans continue to resist. Their dignity and courage form the foundation upon which a free Venezuela can one day be rebuilt.
The international community must act now. Rhetorical condemnations are not enough. What is needed is a coordinated, firm, and sustained response that includes mechanisms for accountability, support for civil society, protection for victims, and real backing for a democratic transition.