Arrest of Opposition Member in Venezuela Underscores Challenges to Freedom of Expression
Piñero, the detained Venezuelan activist, alongside Delsa Solorzano, President of the Encuentro Ciudadano Party, denouncing the crackdown on freedom of expression. Source: Caracas Chronicles
On Nov. 22, Nelson Piñero, a prominent Venezuelan activist and a member of the opposition party Encuentro Ciudadano, was arrested within the confines of his own home. The charges levied against Piñero were centered around accusations of incitement of hatred.
The news of Piñero's arrest was swiftly brought to light by Delsa Solorzano, the president of the Encuentro Ciudadano Party. According to Solorzano, Piñero's apprehension was a direct consequence of his vocal criticism of President Nicolas Maduro and his administration on the platform 'X.'
In a public statement, Solorzano issued asserted, "Evidently, the exercise of freedom of expression is being condemned here; writing on social media is not a crime, giving an opinion is not a crime, and today a custodial measure has been issued simply for expressing your opinion on social media.”
Currently held at the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) headquarters in Naguanagua, Carabobo, Piñero's arrest prompted his family to voice their concerns through various media channels. Nelson’s son utilized his father’s 'X' account to report the illegal arrest, stating, “I am Nelson's son, my father was illegally detained by the SEBIN in the middle of the night without any warrant, and still, nothing is known about him. Please help spread the news.”
The Human Rights Committee of the Vente Venezuela party also condemned Piñero's arrest on social media, stating, “Protesting is not a crime. His only crime has been to denounce the abuses of the criminals who are in power today.”
Notably, Piñero’s arrest follows President Biden's recent decision to lift sanctions on Venezuela’s oil, gas, and gold sectors, and coincides with reports of Canada seeking to reestablish ties with the Venezuelan government.
Delegates of the body approving the “Law Against Hatred”. Wednesday, Nov. 09, 2017. Image Source: Venezuela Analysis
However, Piñero's case is not an isolated incident, underscoring the grim reality of dissent in Venezuela. Solorzano, also a lawyer, pointed out, “Today Nelson is one more political prisoner of this dictatorship, which has taken 300 citizens to jail for thinking differently.”
In recent years, numerous citizens have faced arrest for expressing criticism on social media against Maduro’s government. One such case is that of 72-year-old Olga Mata, arrested for posting a TikTok video about arepas. Dressed as a cook, a menu was displayed where she used a play on words to criticize Maduro’s government and officials. Similarly to Piñero, Mata, too, was arrested on charges of incitement of hatred.
The backdrop to these arrests includes an alarming trend since the enactment of the “Law Against Hatred” in 2017. According to a report by the NGO Espacio Publico, this legislation has been invoked in 101 violations of freedom of expression from 2017 to 2021.
The arrest of Nelson Piñero serves as a stark illustration of the precarious environment for political dissent in Venezuela. The misuse of laws, such as the “Law Against Hatred,” to stifle freedom of expression is part of a broader pattern that poses a significant threat to the democratic foundations of the country. As citizens face repercussions for expressing their views on social media, the chilling effect on public discourse becomes increasingly palpable.