Peru has condemned the repression in Venezuela, backing Edmundo González as President-elect after recent allegations of human rights abuses. The Peruvian government is calling for the immediate release of unjustly detained individuals and has severed diplomatic ties with Venezuela due to the controversy surrounding electoral legitimacy. International discussions are set to take place to address these issues.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru issued a statement condemning the acts of repression executed by Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, particularly following claims made by Edmundo González, who has been declared the “President-elect of Venezuela.” The Peruvian government called for an immediate halt to these actions that undermine human dignity and demanded the release of those unjustly detained.
In a related development, Foreign Affairs Minister Elmer Schialer confirmed the detention of four Peruvian nationals by Venezuelan authorities, accused of conspiring against the Maduro regime without any substantiated evidence. Schialer stated, “Maduro’s officials have claimed they detained foreigners of various nationalities,” emphasizing the significance of the arrests in Peru’s recognition of González as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. He also announced plans to attend a conference in Panama, where he aims to discuss international efforts towards resolving the Venezuelan crisis with González and other foreign ministers,
Furthermore, President Dina Boluarte of Peru held an online session with both González and opposition leader Maria Corina on the previous day, reinforcing Peru’s commitment to the democratic process. She articulated that Peru did not recognize the outcomes of the July 28, 2024 elections, citing violations of Venezuelan law that disregarded the authentic will of the Venezuelan populace.
Venezuela severed its diplomatic ties with Peru shortly after the declaration, with Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil accusing Peruvian officials of making reckless assertions that undermine the will of the Venezuelan people. This diplomatic rift follows a highly contentious electoral process in July 2024, where Maduro’s government faced serious allegations of electoral fraud, resulting in mass protests and a significant number of arrests. The National Electoral Council, largely composed of Maduro loyalists, declared Maduro the victor with a claimed 52 percent of the vote, amidst reports of human rights abuses and voting irregularities.
The relationship between Venezuela and Peru has become increasingly strained due to the political turmoil in Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro. Allegations of repression and human rights violations have dominated discussions surrounding Maduro’s regime, particularly following the controversial presidential elections held in July 2024. These elections were characterized by widespread claims of fraud and were met with substantial unrest, leading Peru to recognize Edmundo González as the legitimate president and condemn the Venezuelan government’s actions, which included the detention of foreign nationals and the suppression of dissent.
In conclusion, Peru’s strong condemnation of Nicolás Maduro’s regime and its support for Edmundo González as the President-elect highlights the growing concerns over human rights and democracy in Venezuela. The Peruvian government has taken a firm stance against what it perceives as governmental oppression, insisting on the release of unjustly held individuals while opposing the legitimacy of the recent elections. As the international community watches closely, diplomatic tensions continue to escalate between Peru and Venezuela, fostering a complex political landscape in the region.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
