Venezuela uses justice system for political persecution, lawyer claims

The Venezuelan justice system remains a tool for political persecution, according to lawyer Omar Mora Tosta, who represents Perkins Rocha. Tosta stated that the recent court decision denying Rocha's requests for a review of his detention measures proves that human rights violations persist in Venezuela, even after January 3rd.

"This decision tells Venezuela and the world that despite the tutelage of the United States, human rights violations persist in Venezuela after January 3rd, and the administration of justice is used for political persecution," Tosta told El Nacional. He criticized the lack of "substantial changes," suggesting that current efforts are merely "announcements and social media campaigns" aimed at improving the country's image.

“

This decision tells Venezuela and the world that despite the tutelage of the United States, human rights violations persist in Venezuela after January 3rd, and the administration of justice is used for political persecution.

Tosta emphasized that true reconciliation requires concrete actions, not just rhetoric. He argued that if authorities genuinely seek harmony and a transition to civility and respect for human rights, they must demonstrate it through tangible steps. "The real change will occur with the recomposition of the institutional fabric that entails the separation of Public Powers as a fundamental pillar of democracy," he stated.

“

The real change will occur with the recomposition of the institutional fabric that entails the separation of Public Powers as a fundamental pillar of democracy.

The lawyer further asserted that a genuine sign of change would be the immediate release of all political prisoners and the cessation of what he deems baseless legal proceedings. "Definitely, the sign of change would be that immediately and under the procedural solutions provided by the Organic Code of Criminal Procedure, full freedom is granted to all political prisoners, those unjust causes are closed, and political persecution in the country ceases," Tosta said.

He also described the court's decision as "illegal and arbitrary," pointing out that Perkins Rocha should have benefited from amnesty granted to others involved in the same case. Tosta highlighted that while eight individuals faced similar charges, only Rocha remains under house arrest, indicating discriminatory treatment.

“

Definitely, the sign of change would be that immediately and under the procedural solutions provided by the Organic Code of Criminal Procedure, full freedom is granted to all political prisoners, those unjust causes are closed, and political persecution in the country ceases.