Peru condemns ‘acts of repression’ in Venezuela, describing opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzales as ‘President-elect’ News
Protontorniyo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Peru condemns ‘acts of repression’ in Venezuela, describing opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzales as ‘President-elect’

Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs  announced on Tuesday that the government condemns what it called “acts of repression” perpetrated by Nicolás Maduro following allegations made by the “President-elect of Venezuela” Edmundo González.

The Ministry’s statement concluded, “By demanding the immediate cessation of these practices that go against life and human dignity, the Government of Peru demands the prompt release of all persons arbitrarily detained.”

Following the press release, Foreign Affairs Minister Elmer Schialer confirmed that Venezuelan authorities had detained four Peruvian citizens over alleged plotting against Maduro’s regime without evidence. He accused Maduro’s regime of perpetrating human rights violations. The councilor stated, “Maduro’s officials have claimed they detained foreigners of various nationalities”. Schialer further claimed the arrests are a key reason for recognizing González as President-elect.

Furthermore, the councilor indicated he would travel to a conference in Panama, where, he would meet with González and various foreign ministers to discuss the international community’s steps to find a solution.

President Dina Boluarte held an online meeting with González and opposition leader Maria Corina on Monday, reaffirming Peru’s commitment to democracy. He stated on behalf of the country:

we do not recognize the results of the July 28th, 2024, elections, as announced by the electoral authority, since Venezuelan laws have been violated, thus ignoring the legitimate will of the Venezuelan people clearly expressed in that process.

Venezuela severed diplomatic relations with Peru on July 30, 2024. Venezuela’s councilor, Yván Gil, cited the “reckless declarations of the Peruvian councilor that ignore the will of the Venezuelan people”. The decision was in response to Javier González-Olaechea, former Peruvian councilor, who recognized Edmundo González as legitimate president in 2024.

Venezuela’s presidential elections in July were particularly contentious, with Maduro’s government accused of manipulating electoral processes to secure his position. The National Electoral Council, dominated by Maduro loyalists, declared him the victor with a reported 52 percent of the vote despite widespread allegations of fraud and irregularities. The elections resulted in mass protests, with the arrest of 2,000 individuals, and reports of human rights violations. Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced the release of detainees in December. 

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