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President Nicolás Maduro declared victory in the contentious July 28 election with over a million votes, and since then, the administration in Venezuela has stepped up its onslaught on opposition politicians and dissidents.The election, widely criticized as fraudulent by the opposition coalition Vente Venezuela, sparked widespread protests and led to a severe government response.
María Oropeza, a key opposition figure and lawyer, was arrested by Venezuelan security forces earlier this month. The incident, which she livestreamed before her phone was confiscated, saw Oropeza being forcibly removed from her home in Portuguesa, northwestern Venezuela, by officials from the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence. During her live broadcast, Oropeza declared her innocence, saying, “I am not a criminal. I am just another citizen who wants a different country.”
Since her arrest, Oropeza has been held at the notorious El Helicoide detention center in Caracas, a facility known for its harsh conditions and history of torture. She faces charges of inciting hatred and terrorism, which could result in a 20 to 30-year prison sentence. Her detention has added to the climate of fear among protesters and opposition figures in Venezuela.
The violent repression following the election has led to over 2,200 arrests, many of which involve protesters being taken to torture camps. The crackdown has been particularly brutal, with security forces using excessive violence against demonstrators.The Maduro government has been encouraged by the U.S. State Department to respect the will of the Venezuelan people and release those jailed for exercising their rights. Concrete steps to remedy the issue are still elusive, though.
The Ladies of Liberty Alliance (LOLA), a global libertarian organization, has mobilized in response to Oropeza’s arrest. LOLA has filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, seeking precautionary measures for Oropeza’s release and calling for international pressure on the Maduro regime. The organization is also leading fundraising efforts to support her release, having raised nearly $4,000 of their $5,000 goal.
The chilling effect of Maduro’s crackdown is evident in the widespread fear and the number of activists going into hiding. The disturbing nature of Oropeza’s arrest, highlighted by a manipulated video with ominous music, has further suppressed dissent and driven many into seclusion. Friends and colleagues of Oropeza, including Ana Karina Rizo and Agustina Sosa, have expressed their commitment to continuing the fight for her freedom, despite the risks posed by challenging the authoritarian regime.