Concerns Raised over Intelligence Agency Presence near Venezuelan Opposition Party Headquarters as Elections Loom

The Venezuelan opposition has raised concerns about the presence of members of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (Sebin) surrounding the national headquarters of Vente Venezuela, the political party of unity candidate María Corina Machado. The opposition called on the international community, including the United Nations, Organization of American States, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and International Criminal Court, to address the situation.

The Human Rights Committee of Vente Venezuela took to social media to alert the public about the presence of Sebin officials near the party’s headquarters in Caracas. The committee described Sebin as a repressive body acting on behalf of the regime. These developments occurred following an announcement by Attorney General Tarek William Saab regarding the arrest of Henry Alviárez and Dinorah Hernández, respectively.

The presidential elections in Venezuela will see incumbent president Nicolás Maduro seeking a third term in office. The opposition had selected Machado as their unitary candidate in primaries. However, her participation in the elections is uncertain due to a 15-year disqualification imposed by the Venezuelan Supreme Court.