Amnesty International on Feb. 3 condemned both the January attack by the US military on Venezuela and the abuses committed by the ousted Maduro government.

On Jan. 3, the Trump administration announced that it had conducted a raid on Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. US President Trump said he would "run Venezuela," directing the country’s oil industry with the compliance of Maduro’s successors. Two days later, Maduro and Flores pled not guilty in US federal court to charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses.

Amnesty condemned the capture, stating that it was an unlawful use of force and violated the UN Charter, articles 2(3) and 2(4). Article 2(3) states that members shall "settle their international disputes by peaceful means." Article 2(4) prohibits use of force, stating: "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations."

Amnesty also stated that the US violated UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, which holds that “a state’s first use of armed force in violation of the Charter is prima facie evidence of an act of aggression, including bombardment or attacks on another state’s armed forces.”

Said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International's secretary general:

Crimes against humanity do not end with Maduro's removal. Venezuelan victims, survivors, and their families continue to carry physical and psychological scars. The fate and whereabouts of many people subjected to enforced disappearance remain unresolved. The state machinery responsible for those crimes is still firmly in place, now supported by the US authorities' involvement…

Venezuelan victims have a right to truth, justice, and reparation for crimes against humanity they have suffered. We call on the International Criminal Court to expedite its work, including issuing arrest warrants when the evidentiary threshold is met. Justice delayed is justice denied, especially for Venezuelans who have waited years to be heard. However, the US administration’s actions currently make the prospect of any potential justice proceedings concerning Nicolás Maduro much more challenging and complex.

Amnesty called for adherence to the UN Charter, and for the US to cease lethal force against drug boats, and use of force or threat of use of force against Venezuela.

From JURIST, Feb. 4. Used with permission.