Venezuela’s opposition coalition on Monday reported that four members from two of its political parties had been detained in recent days as tensions escalate leading up to the July presidential election. The detained individuals, Gabriel Gonzalez, Javier Cisneros, Jeancarlos Rivas, and Juan Iriarte, are from the Vontade Popular and Vente Venezuela parties and were taken into custody by security forces on charges of conspiracy and inciting hatred.
One of the detained individuals, Javier Cisneros, was released on Monday night, according to a statement from Vente Venezuela on social media. Opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González condemned the government’s actions and vowed to bring attention to the violations in international forums.
The arrests of the party members and a journalist come at a time when polls show support for González is increasing after the ban on opposition candidate María Corina Machado was upheld. While dictator Nicolas Maduro, seeking a third term, has around 30% support, González has garnered 50% in recent polls.
In total, 37 party members have been detained this year, including the four most recent cases. Machado, who is actively campaigning for González, noted that six former campaign staffers are currently seeking asylum in the Argentine embassy. The situation in Venezuela continues to be volatile as the presidential election approaches with opposition voices being silenced and tensions on the rise. It is crucial for international organizations to monitor and address the human rights violations occurring in the country.
