The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, on Monday denounced the
“intimidation and criminalization”
of political activists in Venezuela, accusations described as
“false”
by the authorities in Caracas.
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"The intimidation and criminalization of human rights defenders and trade union leaders in their legitimate activities concerns me,"
the High Commissioner said in a report on the situation in Venezuela.
The former Chilean president called for the
"release of all those arbitrarily detained"
, while noting that 152 people had been released since June 2020. According to the human rights NGO, Foro penal, there are 262 prisoners policies in Venezuela.
Michelle Bachelet says she hopes that the negotiations between the government and the opposition that began in August in Mexico will
"lead to significant solutions and result in advances in human rights."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela felt that the
"false allegations"
about "
the supposed persecution or arbitrary detentions"
were part of
"the political scenario written by those who use these subjects to attack"
Venezuela. Caracas assures, however, that it
"will continue to cooperate"
with the UN in
"respect for the truth, the principles of objectivity, impartiality, non-interference in internal affairs and constructive dialogue"
.