ICC begins investigation of Maduro for alleged human rights abuses

THE HAGUE, Netherlands –  The International Criminal Court, ICC has began an investigation into allegations of human rights abuses against the Nicholas Maduro-led government of Venezuela.

This follows conclusion of independent and impartial preliminary examinations, investigations into crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression by office of the Prosecutor of the ICC.

“The investigation – now opened – is not a one-way road. It is only the start of a process. The Government of Venezuela was of the view that the conditions for an investigation have not been met. Despite this, I consider it to their great credit that they have committed to co-operate with my Office as we move to this new stage.

“I have been invited back to Venezuela as have members of my Office. In parallel with the investigation we will now commence, I will continue to look for meaningful ways to cooperate and engage with the authorities and all other stakeholders in the search for the truth”, says ICC Prosecutor, Mr. Karim Khan.

He said his office will support any  sincere and meaningful effort undertaken by the Venezuelan Government to reform and revitalise the justice and penal system in order to enable genuine accountability in Venezuela for the victims of alleged crimes.

“The principle of complementarity is the foundation of the Rome Statute system and it remains an important principle during the investigation stage.Evidence of the constructive and sustained level of engagement with the Venezuelan authorities during my time in Caracas finds form in the joint signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 3 November 2021, at the Presidential Palace.

“This MoU sets the stage for sustained dialogue and cooperation as we move to the next phase in this situation. As the MoU makes clear and as I have stated publicly, the preliminary examination into the Situation in Venezuela (Venezuela I) has come to a close following a thorough and independent process with a finding that there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation”, he said.

He assured that with the  MOU, “Venezuela and my Office are committed to working collaboratively, while also independently and impartially, but with full regard to the principle of complementarity, and to pursue cooperation and mutual assistance. This is the best way to promote the values and principles of the Rome Statute.

Lastly, whilst we are not unaware of the political discourse and fault lines in Venezuela or of the regional context, it is important that space be given to my Office to do its work. We will do our work independently and devoid of any political agenda.

“We work as officers of the Court pursuant to the values and principles of the Rome Statute.  As I have previously stated, we will take a rather dim view of any attempt to use the opening of the investigation for political gain or to politicise the independent work of my Office.

“We must be principled enough to encourage and support any individual or authority that moves closer to the law and the principles of the Rome Statute. In the end, with patience, cooperation and determined professionalism, the truth will be established. I request patience and support whilst this process now progresses in its next stage”.