Opponents, human rights defenders, journalists and even YouTubers have been detained in a Chavista judicial offensive ahead of the next presidential elections. Chavismo in power has toughened its judicial offensive on the way to the presidential elections on July 28.
In this scenario, in Venezuela anyone can be a suspect. The fear of being arrested and mentioned on television as part of an alleged conspiracy plot is real. The total number of attacks in 2023, more than 500, had an increase of 32% compared to 2022, according to reports from the Center for Justice and Defenders and The Center for Defense of Human Rights. The pressure continues and reaches more people and the Government's Office ordered Orlando Avendaño, who resides outside of Venezuela, to be arrested for inciting hatred. This is how the months go as Venezuela prepares to go to presidential elections as Nicolás Maduro aspires to stay in power for six more years although most polls give him just over 20% support, compared to the best numbers presented by the main opponent María Corina Machado.