The International Criminal Court (ICC) said on Monday that it's "actively monitoring" the ongoing events in Venezuela, where government forces have been detaining thousands of people involved in protests against its decision to claim victory in the recent presidential elections without supporting data.
In a written statement sent out to press, the office of ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said it has received "multiple reports of instances of violence and other allegations following the presidential election of 28 July in Venezuela."
It went on to say that the office has "engaged with the Government of Venezuela at the highest-level to underline the importance of ensuring that the rule of law is adhered to in the present moment and emphasize that all personas must be protected from violations that may constitute Rome Statute crimes."
The office also pointed at a online portal where potential evidence can be filed, saying that "should any individual or organization have information that may be relevant to this ongoing investigation, we would welcome you to submit this."
Organization of American States Secretary Luis Almagro said in early August that the body should move forward and take action against Maduro himself: "It is time to file indictment charges against those most responsible, including Maduro, who announced a bloodbath and delivered," he said, in reference to a statement by the president from before the elections, when he said that there would be a "bloodbath" if his party didn't win the elections.
"I must admit it was shocking to hear at the time, but I must also recognize that it's much more shocking to see him actually do it," added Almagro, a historical regional foe of Maduro.
The ICC already has an ongoing investigation into violence that followed Venezuela's 2017 elections, also highly contested by the opposition, but has so far not issued any arrest warrants. That investigation was opened in late 2021 and followed an official request to investigate by Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay and Peru.
In the meantime, the Venezuelan opposition called for worldwide protests on August 17 to continue putting pressure on the government. "This Saturday, August 17, we will take to the streets of Venezuela and the world... let's shout together so that the world supports our victory and recognizes the truth and popular sovereignty," said opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in a video on social media.
Edmundo González Urrutia, the opposition's presidential candidate who has been recognized as the winner of the election by several countries, echoed the message. Both him and Machado have been in hiding for over a week as government officials call for their arrest.
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