Despite Attempts at Dialogue, Venezuelan Regime Ramps Up Repression

Since last May, Venezuelan leaders have been discussing the possibility of a dialogue between the between the opposition and Nicolás Maduro‘s increasingly authoritarian administration. However, after failed attempts, the crackdown on dissent has intensified and the government continues to stall a recall referendum on Maduro’s presidency. At least 2,124 political and arbitrary arrests reportedly occurred from May to September this year, according to the Venezuelan Penal Forum, an NGO that tracks human-rights abuses. More…