Mark NadiloThe Judicial Farce in Venezuela transcends national borders, becoming a problem of international connivance that perpetuates the oppression of a people. Nicolás Maduro, political heir of Hugo Chávez, remains in power through fraudulent elections, violent repression, and total control of state institutions. Maduro’s recent request to the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) to decide on the result of Sunday’s election, claiming to be the victim of a coup, exemplifies the burlesque theater that Venezuelan justice has become.
The Theater of the TSJ
The president of the TSJ, Caryslia Rodríguez, a Chavista and member of the PSUV (Maduro’s party), assumed the role in January 2024. In a video, she calls Chávez “commander” and Maduro “dear president”. This explicit connection between the judiciary and Maduro’s regime is a clear indication of the lack of independent justice in Venezuela.
Rodríguez was sworn in by Judge Gladys María Gutiérrez Alvarado, also aligned with the Chavista regime. In her first message as president of the TSJ, Rodríguez stated that, with unity and the example of Simón Bolívar, the judiciary would advance. The message is clear: the TSJ does not serve the Venezuelan people but rather the authoritarian regime that controls the country.
See: Party website
See: Watch the video where she assumes all her love to Nicolás Maduro.
The Control Structure of the TSJ
The TSJ is composed of judges carefully selected for their loyalty to the regime. Judge Edgar Gavidia Rodríguez was ratified as the first vice-president of the high court and president of the Social Cassation Chamber. Judge Tania D’Amelio Cardiet was appointed second vice-president of the TSJ and president of the Constitutional Chamber. These judges, all with close ties to the regime, ensure that no judicial decision goes against Maduro’s interests.
The control structure of the TSJ is complemented by the presidents of the different chambers of the high court: Malaquías Gil in the Political-Administrative Chamber, Elsa Gómez in the Criminal Cassation Chamber, and Henry Timaure in the Civil Cassation Chamber. All of them were chosen for their loyalty to the regime and serve the purpose of maintaining control over any legal opposition attempts.
International Connivance
The international community has largely been complicit with Maduro’s regime. Organizations like the UN and the OAS make statements condemning the situation in Venezuela, but these words rarely translate into concrete actions. Many countries have economic and political interests in Venezuela that prevent them from taking tougher measures against the regime.
Countries like Russia and China provide economic and political support to Maduro, helping sustain his regime. Other countries, while publicly criticizing Maduro, continue to trade with Venezuela, providing a steady flow of resources that allows the regime to continue operating.
The Role of the Media
The international media also has its share of blame. While some news organizations critically cover the Venezuelan crisis, many others are complacent or avoid the issue altogether. The lack of consistent and in-depth coverage allows Maduro’s regime to continue operating without the necessary external pressure to provoke significant change.
Additionally, Venezuelan state media is a powerful propaganda tool that the regime uses to control the internal narrative. Any opposition is quickly silenced, and critical voices are labeled as enemies of the state.
Internal Repression
Within Venezuela, repression is the norm. Maduro’s regime uses security forces to intimidate, imprison, and, in many cases, murder opponents. Paramilitary groups loyal to the regime, known as colectivos, act as informal militias, spreading terror among the civilian population.
Human rights organizations have documented numerous violations, including torture, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial executions. However, these reports rarely result in significant international action. The global response is, at best, lukewarm, allowing the regime to continue its repressive practices without serious repercussions.
The Humanitarian Impact
The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is deep. Millions of Venezuelans have fled the country, seeking refuge in neighboring countries and around the world. Those who remain face severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential goods. The country’s infrastructure is in ruins, and public services are virtually non-existent.
The international response to this humanitarian crisis has been inadequate. While some nations and organizations provide aid, it is often insufficient to address the magnitude of the problem. Furthermore, aid is often diverted or used by Maduro’s regime for its own purposes instead of being distributed to those who need it most.
The Need for Action
It is clear that the situation in Venezuela requires a more robust international response. Targeted sanctions, support for the democratic opposition, and constant pressure on Maduro’s regime are necessary to provoke real change. However, these actions must be accompanied by a genuine commitment to helping the Venezuelan people rebuild their country.
Global connivance with Maduro must end. International nations and organizations need to stop turning a blind eye to the atrocities occurring in Venezuela and take concrete steps to support democracy and human rights in the country.
The Judicial Farce in Venezuela
The crisis in Venezuela is a clear example of how international connivance can allow an authoritarian regime to continue operating without consequences. Nicolás Maduro and his regime maintain a firm grip on the country through a submissive judiciary, violent repression, and international support.
The international community must recognize its own responsibility in perpetuating this crisis and take concrete steps to support democracy and human rights in Venezuela. Only with consistent global pressure and a genuine commitment to supporting the Venezuelan people can real and lasting change be achieved.
Corroborative Links
- Juramentan a Magistrada Caryslia Rodríguez como Nueva Presidenta del TSJ
- Tania D’Amelio Cardiet
- Human Rights Watch: Human Rights Violations in Venezuela
- Amnesty International: Repression and Torture in Venezuela
- UN: International Response to the Crisis in Venezuela
- OAS: Statement on the Situation in Venezuela
- Reuters: Fraudulent Elections in Venezuela
- New York Times: The Farce of Justice in Venezuela
- Tania D´Amelio Cardiet – Venezolana, Abogada, Cristiana, Magistrada, Presidenta de la Sala Constitucional y Segunda Vicepresidenta de TSJ_Venezuela.
- Judge Edgar Gavidia Rodríguez
- Malaquías Gil
