Venezuela: decisive strategies for the release of detainees and the fight for democracy
The arbitrary detention of foreign citizens in Venezuela has reached alarming levels, highlighting the repressive nature of Nicolás Maduro’s regime. Currently, at least 19 foreign citizens are reported to be detained as political prisoners, of whom 4 are Colombian, 3 Ecuadorian, 2 Spanish, and others come from Argentina, Guyana, Mexico, Peru, Ukraine, Uruguay, and the United States. Additionally, 31 of the detainees have dual nationality, including 12 Spaniards, 9 Italians, 6 Colombians, 3 Portuguese, and 1 Chilean. This phenomenon represents a flagrant violation of human rights and it is imperative to implement concrete actions to seek the release of these detainees and put an end to the injustice in Venezuelan territory.
This unilateral behavior of the Venezuelan regime indicates a troubling and aggravating position. These detentions seem to play a role in preventing any actions against the regime, given that Nicolás Maduro has been invested as president of Venezuela after winning the elections in July 2024. The charges against the detainees by the regime are for terrorism and attempting against the government. Under these charges resides the arbitrary justification by the regime and helps us understand the true purpose of their detentions. The regime will seek to negotiate and extend its position in the government by forcing the recognition of the international community.
Bilateral and Multilateral Diplomacy
Establishing a direct dialogue between the governments of the U.S. and Argentina is essential to show a united front. This dialogue should include the release of detainees as a central point in any agreement. Collaboration with other countries and international organizations is crucial to increase pressure on the regime, using forums such as the UN and the OAS to demand respect for human rights.
Specific Sanctions
It is fundamental to implement sanctions targeting officials of Maduro’s regime involved in these detentions. Freezing assets and travel restrictions are tools that should be employed. Sectoral sanctions on the Venezuelan economy, especially in the oil sector, can weaken the regime’s ability to maintain power and, therefore, influence its willingness to negotiate.
Strengthening the Venezuelan Opposition
Providing financial and logistical support to the Venezuelan opposition is critical to establishing a solid platform demanding the release of prisoners. Facilitating the international visibility of opposition leaders in global forums is vital for their voices to be heard and to generate global support for their claims.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Launching campaigns that highlight arbitrary detentions is crucial. Utilizing media and social networks to disseminate the situation of the detainees can generate awareness and empathy in the international community. Sharing personal stories humanizes the crisis and mobilizes public opinion against the injustices committed by the regime.
Humanitarian Interventions
Proposing humanitarian interventions that benefit the Venezuelan population, in addition to the prisoners, can open a channel for dialogue with the regime. Inviting human rights organizations to investigate detention conditions and treatment of prisoners is a necessary step to promote a broader approach to human rights in Venezuela.
International Legal Actions
Exploring the possibility of presenting cases before international courts for human rights violations is essential to seek justice for the detainees. Collaboration with non-governmental organizations specializing in human rights can facilitate the documentation and reporting of systematic violations committed by the regime.
Maintaining Communication Channels
Keeping channels of communication open with the regime is fundamental, even in difficult times. Utilizing neutral intermediaries can help facilitate dialogue and promote trust in the search for solutions.
The New Administration of President Donald Trump
The new administration of President Donald Trump, under a renewed foreign policy focus, could imply a significant change in how the crisis in Venezuela is addressed. Joint work with his Argentine counterpart, Javier Milei, could focus on firmer and more coordinated strategies to confront the regime’s repression and seek the release of arbitrarily detained citizens.
Collaboration between both leaders could manifest in several fronts:
Active Diplomacy: Both presidents are expected to establish a direct and constructive dialogue that not only addresses the situation of the detainees but also promotes democratic change in Venezuela. This dialogue could include creating a joint working group to coordinate efforts and define concrete actions.
Sanctions and Economic Pressure: With the support of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, known for his critical stance toward the Venezuelan regime, it is likely that the Trump administration will push for more severe sanctions targeting regime officials and key sectors of the economy, especially in the energy sector.
Strengthening the Opposition: The Trump administration could work closely with the Argentine government to strengthen the Venezuelan opposition, providing financial and logistical support. This would include facilitating platforms for opposition leaders to express themselves in international forums.
Humanitarian Interventions: Both leaders could coordinate efforts to propose humanitarian interventions in Venezuela, seeking to alleviate the humanitarian crisis affecting the population while simultaneously creating a channel for dialogue with the regime.
International Legal Actions: The Trump administration, in collaboration with Argentina, could explore the possibility of bringing cases of human rights violations before international courts, seeking justice and accountability for those responsible for arbitrary detentions.
International Mobilization: Trump and Milei are expected to work on mobilizing other international actors, including allies in Latin America and Europe, to create a broader coalition that pressures the Maduro regime and advocates for human rights and democracy.
Conclusion
The release of detained citizens in Venezuela demands a firm and coordinated approach that includes diplomatic actions, strong sanctions, support for the opposition, awareness campaigns, humanitarian interventions, and legal actions. Collaboration between the Trump administration and President Javier Milei, with the support of Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz, can bring a more vigorous and coordinated approach to addressing the crisis in Venezuela. This joint commitment seeks the release of detainees and works toward restoring democracy and dignity for all citizens, both Venezuelan and foreign. The international community must act decisively to dismantle the system of repression established by Nicolás Maduro and his cabinet.
By, William Acosta, NYPD, (Ret) and Jesús Daniel Romero, USN, (Ret)
Credits
The information presented in this article has been compiled from the following sources: The New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC New, El País, Clarín, Infobae, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Associated Press.
