Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has appointed ruling socialist party boss Diosdado Cabello to oversee the country’s police forces in a recent Cabinet shuffle following a contested presidential election. Cabello, a staunch supporter of the Bolivarian revolution initiated by the late Hugo Chávez, is considered one of the most powerful figures in Venezuela, second only to Maduro himself.
A retired army lieutenant, Cabello has a long history of loyalty to the socialist party and has held various significant roles within the government. Despite being passed over by Chávez for the presidency in favor of Maduro, Cabello has remained influential in Venezuelan politics.
Human rights groups have expressed concerns over Cabello's appointment as interior minister, fearing an escalation of the government's crackdown on dissent following the disputed election results. More than 2,000 individuals, including journalists and politicians, have been arrested since the election, prompting international scrutiny.
The Organization of American States is set to discuss the crackdown by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, with the recent detention of an opposition lawyer adding to the growing list of government actions against dissenters.
Cabello's reputation for advocating a forceful response to opposition voices has drawn criticism and sanctions from several countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the European Union. He has also been linked to alleged criminal activities, such as money laundering and human rights abuses.
Maduro's Cabinet reshuffle aims to bring about changes that benefit the Venezuelan people, with key figures like Delcy Rodriguez and Hector Rodriguez taking on new roles in the government. The appointment of Cabello as interior minister signals a potentially more repressive approach to governance in Venezuela.
As the political landscape in Venezuela continues to evolve, the international community closely monitors developments in the country, particularly regarding human rights and democratic principles.
