Maduro's Repression: New Post-Election Strategy

Nicolás Maduro's regime has moved into a new phase of its repression plan, characterized by the creation of two maximum-security prisons. These facilities are intended to house members of gangs involved in guarimba and criminal activities. According to the dictator, the goal is not only to imprison these individuals but also to reeducate them and turn the prisons into productive farms, where inmates will work on building roads and other similar projects.

A Shift in Repressive Strategy

Maduro's announcement is not isolated but is part of a broader context of escalating post-election repression. In recent days, there have been reports of dozens of injuries and disappearances, numerous allegations of torture, and more than 15 people have been killed by Chavista forces. The victims, some as young as 15-year-old Isaías Fuenmayor, have left a trail of pain and despair in their communities.

Repression on Two Fronts

The regime is targeting not only ordinary citizens who protest in the streets but also opposition leaders. María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition figure, has been forced into hiding due to the intensification of repression. Despite this, she continues to lead major protests against the government.

The regime's actions include nightly raids to arbitrarily arrest those who served as election observers for the opposition. These individuals, in the eyes of Chavismo, are traitors and criminals for their role in exposing electoral fraud.

A Complete Repressive Machinery

Repression in Venezuela operates on two levels: the legal apparatus and the security apparatus. The former handles restricting freedoms through bans, public accusations, sentences, and precautionary measures. A clear example is the prohibition preventing María Corina Machado from holding any public office. The latter, comprising the National Guard, the National Police, and paramilitary collectives, handles physical repression, seeking out and intimidating citizens in their homes and workplaces.

The Opposition's Response

María Corina Machado has been a constant figure of resistance since Chávez's time, denouncing repression and human rights violations. Despite threats and persecution, she has maintained an international support network, particularly in the United States. However, her growing influence and mobilization capacity have made the regime nervous, forcing it to decide between intensifying repression or risking an internal and external crisis.

Possible Future Scenarios

Maduro's regime faces several options to handle the increasing pressure: unleashing an even greater wave of repression, neutralizing María Corina Machado by exiling her, or even considering a repeat election. However, all these options carry significant risks, both for the regime and for the country as a whole.

The international community and Venezuelan citizens must remain vigilant and mobilized. Constant pressure and denunciation are essential to prevent Venezuela from becoming an even more consolidated dictatorship. Ultimately, the hope for change lies in the opposition's ability to remain firm and organized, facing repression with courage and determination.