Venezuelan security forces have arrested at least 120 minors in less than a month since the controversial presidential elections, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. This surge follows the disputed claim from President Nicolás Maduro about winning the elections and the subsequent crackdown on opposition and dissent.
According to human rights organizations interviewed by The Washington Post, the minors, some of them as young as 13-years-old are part of a larger group of over 1,600 people detained since the elections.
The detentions often occur without warrants, with reports indicating that some detainees have been subjected to severe abuse. A recent account from a mother, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, details how 17 military counterintelligence officers forcibly entered her home at 1 a.m., pointed rifles at her and her children, and violently interrogated her 15-year-old son. The boy reported being beaten, kicked, and held in poor conditions for 20 days before being allowed to see his family.
These incidents are part of a broader pattern of repression. The Venezuelan government has charged minors with terrorism, with many held in juvenile facilities under harsh, military-style conditions. Family members have described physical abuse and poor treatment, including forced ideological chants and restricted access to legal representation.
The scale of these detentions surpasses even the repressive measures seen in past regional conflicts. For instance, the Argentine military dictatorship and the Pinochet regime in Chile, known for their harsh crackdowns, saw significantly fewer child detentions over several years compared to the current situation in Venezuela, the outlet added.
Amnesty organizations and human rights advocates have criticized the Venezuelan government for this unprecedented clampdown. They note that the detentions and the associated abuse have created a climate of fear and silence, with many detainees and their families unable to speak out due to threats from authorities.
The situation has intensified since the electoral council declared Maduro's victory, prompting widespread protests and a severe governmental response. At least two dozen people have been killed over the past month, including one 15-year-old. This crackdown has also targeted lawyers and activists supporting detainees, further complicating efforts to provide aid.
The situation remains dire for many families, who report paying bribes to secure basic necessities for their detained children and facing significant financial and emotional distress. Many families are considering fleeing the country, hoping to find safety and security elsewhere.
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