The number increased until 2020, when it began to fall, according to the NGO. The drop may have been due to “there are actually fewer murders” or a lack of complaints and reports in the press.
In 2023, the total number of fatal victims of these forces was 620, the majority between 18 and 30 years old, with the Bolivarian National Police (PNB) being responsible for 30% of the cases.
Provea also documented 1,652 victims of torture during Maduro’s government, 53 of which occurred last year.
“For the first time in Provea’s records – 35 years ago – the majority of torture victims were poor women, deprived of their liberty”, he pointed out.
“The State not only represses political, social and organized leadership, but it also represses and controls these most vulnerable, most excluded members, those who are suffering most from the consequences of this economic and social crisis”, González continued.
The NGO warned that, in addition to poverty, impunity is “the biggest violation of human rights” in Venezuela and warned about the increase in repression in light of the presidential elections on July 28th in which Maduro aspires to a third six-year term. .
