HRF condemns Venezuelan dictator Delcy Rodríguez for putting on a show of moderation for the international community while repression in Venezuela remains. Despite pledging elections and a “transition” at the UN General Assembly, the regime set no date for those events, while maintaining the political disqualifications of key opposition figures.
Meanwhile, 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner @MariaCorinaYA has faced three failed attempts to re-enter the country, leaving her stranded in exile. While ongoing talks continue between the regime and selected opposition sectors, Venezuela’s major democratic figures, including @MariaCorinaYA, remain politically disqualified and excluded.
Washington’s engagement with Venezuela now revolves around an oil deal that protects US stakes in the country’s reserves and investments. Justice and democratic norms have taken a back seat. The Trump administration holds more leverage over Venezuela than any other democracy. It should use that leverage to demand the end of repression of civil society and a genuine democratic transition.
Pledging inclusive elections while still holding hundreds of political prisoners, keeping torture centers active, and barring legitimate leaders from office is business as usual for the Venezuelan regime — not the sign of serious efforts to ensure a peaceful, democratic transition of power. True democracies must demand an immediate end to state repression, respect for human rights, and the restoration of Venezuela’s democracy.
