Former Colombian President Andrés Pastrana, along with a coalition of 31 former Ibero-American heads of state, has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for crimes against humanity and state terrorism. This appeal comes in response to the controversial July presidential election in Venezuela, where Maduro was declared the winner amidst concerns over transparency and allegations of electoral fraud. This resulted in widespread protests, leading to at least 23 deaths, injuries, and arrests. Pastrana asserts that there was not an electoral fraud but a ‘coup d’état’, calling for the ICC to protect the civilian population in Venezuela.
The former heads of government highlight the “crimes against humanity” and “systematic repression” of the Venezuelan people, attributing direct responsibility to Maduro and his leadership. The ICC had previously opened an investigation into Venezuela for crimes against humanity, but the probe did not target any top officials. By filing a complaint in The Hague, the IDEA group aims to draw attention to the ongoing persecution of journalists, electoral witnesses, and politicians in Venezuela, emphasizing the direct involvement of Maduro and his second-in-command Diosdado Cabello.
The document signed by former Latin American leaders such as Pastrana, Álvaro Uribe, Mauricio Macri, and Spanish politicians calls for the ICC to take action against Maduro. Pastrana also expressed concern for the safety of opposition leader María Corina Machado and presidential candidate Edmundo González, as Maduro’s government has refused to provide documentary evidence of an official victory, despite calls for transparency from the international community. The European Union and Argentina have also disputed the election results, with the Argentine government calling on the ICC to prosecute Maduro for potential crimes against humanity.
Since taking power in 2013 following the death of his mentor Hugo Chavez, Maduro has faced increasing pressure both domestically and internationally. The contested July election and the opposition’s claim of victory for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia have escalated tensions in Venezuela, leading to widespread turmoil. The situation has prompted former leaders and international organizations to call for legal action against Maduro and his government, citing concerns over human rights violations and state terrorism in the country.
In conclusion, the appeal to the ICC by former heads of state, including Andrés Pastrana, highlights the urgent need to address the crisis in Venezuela and hold those responsible for crimes against humanity accountable. The ongoing persecution of journalists, electoral witnesses, and opposition leaders underscores the importance of international intervention in protecting the civilian population. As pressure mounts on Nicolas Maduro and his government, it remains to be seen how the ICC will respond to the call for justice and accountability in Venezuela.
