Venezuela's Brutal Regime Still Thrives Post-Maduro, Human Rights Groups Slam Congress

Six months after Nicolás Maduro's removal, Venezuela's oppressive machinery remains unscathed, according to human rights organizations testifying before Congress. They revealed that officials tied to alleged crimes against humanity still occupy high-ranking positions while more than 500 political prisoners languish in jails.

During a session of the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, witnesses highlighted that the limited political openings have failed to instigate any substantial reform within the judiciary, intelligence services, or security forces.

"There have been changes within the same power structure, but those changes have not meant a real transformation of power," stated Laura Cristina Dib, Venezuela director at the Washington Office on Latin America. She emphasized that these changes must be genuine and transformative rather than mere cosmetic adjustments.

Dib pointed out that Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello continues to command internal security forces, while other officials flagged by United Nations investigators remain entrenched in their roles. Isabel Carlota Roby from Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights criticized the government for "recycling people and changing their roles" while maintaining the same chain of command.

"This is a regime that lives in a world of appearances," Roby asserted, claiming there is "no prospect for justice" as long as existing institutions operate without independent oversight.

Martha Tineo from Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón reported that her organization confirmed the release of 795 political prisoners since January. However, most of these individuals still face judicial restrictions, with at least 518 remaining imprisoned for political reasons.

Witnesses also cautioned that the June 24 earthquakes laid bare years of institutional decay. Amnesty International previously warned that Venezuela's deteriorating health system, press restrictions, and laws limiting civil society could hinder relief efforts and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. The organization criticized the local government's lack of transparency.

Public outrage has surged over what survivors describe as a sluggish and chaotic response to the disaster. The official death toll reached 4,490 by July 12, with more victims anticipated to be unearthed from the rubble. Residents in parts of La Guaira reported being forced to search for missing relatives using only basic tools and their bare hands.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez defended the military-led response and dismissed criticism as foreign propaganda. Her ominous warning that government critics "will be buried" incited further anger among families still waiting for the recovery of their loved ones' bodies.