Inter-American Court Praises Release of Political Prisoners, Urges Judicial Independence in Venezuela

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has lauded Venezuela's recent release of 131 political prisoners, viewing it as a positive step. However, the commission stressed that such advancements are contingent upon restoring the rule of law and guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary.

While the government announced the release, citing alternative measures to detention, human rights organizations report a significantly higher number of individuals still deprived of their liberty for political reasons. Estimates range from 317 to 449 people arbitrarily detained, highlighting the ongoing challenges to political freedom in the country.

The IACHR emphasized that these releases, while welcomed, do not equate to full freedom or rectify the arbitrary nature of the initial detentions. The commission called for the annulment of related legal proceedings and convictions, the removal of restrictions, and the prevention of further reprisals against those affected. It also urged thorough investigations into alleged violations during detentions and appropriate reparations for victims.

Crucially, the IACHR underscored the indispensable role of judicial independence in preventing future arbitrary detentions. It argued that a sustainable democratic transition in Venezuela necessitates a genuine reform of the justice system. In light of planned Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) renewals, the commission advocated for selection processes based on merit, capacity, and integrity, conducted transparently with public participation and oversight.

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The IACHR urges the State to immediately and unconditionally release all persons arbitrarily detained for political reasons; to annul the proceedings and restrictions resulting from such detentions; to refrain from using detention as a response to dissent; to investigate the violations reported in the context of such deprivations of liberty and to repair the victims.