As a result of Venezuelan victims’ fight for justice under universal jurisdiction in Argentina, manifested by filing complaints before Argentine courts, and responding to recent reports of an extradition request from Argentine to Spanish authorities, Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International, stated today:
“Crimes against humanity, such as those committed in Venezuela, must stir the conscience of the entire international community and lead to tangible action towards protecting victims against past and future human rights violations and crimes under international law.”
Crimes against humanity, such as those committed in Venezuela, must stir the conscience of the entire international community and lead to tangible action towards protecting victims against past and future human rights violations and crimes under international law.”
Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International.
Avenues for international justice have been opened and are sustained by courageous victims, including the investigation by the Office of the Prosecutor in the International Criminal Court – the first of its kind for a situation in the Americas-, and cases of universal jurisdiction.
Since 2023, we have closely monitored the case filed by the surviving relatives of victims of extrajudicial executions before Argentine courts and supported the jurisdiction of the local courts. News that this case and related criminal investigations are progressing, and an extradition request has been formally filed before Spanish authorities is a welcome step. We call on Spanish authorities to cooperate promptly and fully with this and any potential future requests, in view of contributing to justice and accountability for the crimes committed in Venezuela.
Victims, communities, and their representatives face continued risks in Venezuela. Their safety and rights, including, crucially, their right to truth, justice, reparations, and guarantees of non-repetition, must be a paramount priority for Venezuelan authorities moving forward. Amnesty International calls for the immediate dismantling of the state’s policy of repression, including the unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained for political reasons, and for the overhaul of the justice system.
“Amnesty International’s research on universal jurisdiction underscores that states worldwide have both the authority and responsibility to act against crimes under international law, lending weight to current efforts for justice in Venezuela.”
Amnesty International’s research on universal jurisdiction underscores that states worldwide have both the authority and responsibility to act against crimes under international law, lending weight to current efforts for justice in Venezuela.”
Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International.
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