WOLA Denounces Persecution of PROVEA and Civil Society Organizations in Venezuela

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The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) strongly condemns the Venezuelan government’s escalating harassment and persecution of human rights defenders and civil society organizations. Most recently, Óscar Murillo, journalist, university professor and General Coordinator of PROVEA (Venezuela Program Education-Action on Human Rights), received a subpoena from the CICPC (Scientific, Penal, and Criminal Investigations Corps) to appear before its Division Against Terrorism on Wednesday, November 20, at 10:00 a.m., under a vague and spurious alleged investigation tied to the Law Against Hate for Peaceful Coexistence and Tolerance. This subpoena is part of an alarming pattern of state repression aimed at silencing those who advocate for fundamental rights and freedoms.

Murillo’s citation is emblematic of a broader crackdown following the contested July 28 elections. State authorities have ramped up threats and harassment, particularly against those demanding accountability in sensitive cases such as the death of Edwin Santos in Apure state, also denounced by WOLA. The newly appointed Minister of the Popular Power for Interior, Justice, and Peace, Diosdado Cabello, publicly targeted PROVEA during his October 30 broadcast of Con El Mazo Dando (minute 4:13), announcing that the organization would be investigated over its statements regarding Santos’ death. The lack of clarity regarding the charges and the evident persecution further underscore the erosion of due process and democratic principles in Venezuela.

WOLA stands resolutely with PROVEA, a steadfast partner and recipient of WOLA’s 2024 Human Rights Award. PROVEA exemplifies extraordinary courage in seeking justice and accountability under increasingly hostile conditions. The Venezuelan government’s misuse of laws like the Law Against Hate —intended to promote tolerance but now weaponized to suppress dissent—reflects blatant disregard for human rights and international norms.

Óscar Murillo is set to attend the citation accompanied by the rest of PROVEA’s team and other members of civil society, a clear demonstration of solidarity and resolve. However, WOLA is deeply concerned for Murillo’s safety and the potential repercussions he may face. The Venezuelan government’s systematic repression of dissenters leaves little doubt about the risks involved in his case.

WOLA calls on the international community to unequivocally denounce these abuses and amplify demands for justice and the protection of human rights defenders in Venezuela. We urge States to closely monitor this situation and call on Nicolas Maduro’s government to end its repression and protect this prominent human rights defender. This latest act of intimidation against PROVEA underscores the grave risks faced by Venezuelan civil society, which remains steadfast in defending democracy and human dignity amid relentless persecution. The pursuit of truth and justice must never be treated as a crime.

Read PROVEA’s statement (In Spanish)

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WOLA Denounces Persecution of PROVEA and Civil Society Organizations in Venezuela

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