Venezuela uses crimes against humanity to repress dissent: U.N. probe
The Hindu
In its latest report, it delved into the chains of command, and how intelligence services were used to quash opposing voices, listing a number of high-level officials by name
Venezuela's intelligence agencies are committing crimes against humanity as part of a plan orchestrated at the highest level of government to repress dissent, U.N. experts said on Tuesday.
A team tasked with probing alleged violations in Venezuela said it had uncovered how members of military and state intelligence services were part of a well-coordinated structure implementing a scheme to stifle opposition.
"This plan was orchestrated at the highest political level, led by President Nicolas Maduro and supported by other senior authorities," Marta Valinas, chair of the UN's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, told reporters.
"In doing so, grave crimes and human rights violations are being committed, including acts of torture and sexual violence."
The mission, which was created by the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2019, already warned in its first report two years ago that Maduro and top government ministers were behind likely crimes against humanity.
In its latest report, it delved into the chains of command, and how intelligence services were used to quash opposing voices, listing a number of high-level officials by name.
The report pointed to how Maduro and others in his inner circle were involved in "selecting targets" for detention by intelligence agents, including political opponents.