In an incident that reflects the escalating political crisis in Venezuela, officials of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) detained Father Elvis Cabarca, a priest from the town of Machiques in the state of Zulia. The clergyman was arrested while leading a prayer session in a San Benito chapel in the area, according to independent Venezuelan media. This incident underscores the deteriorating human rights situation in Venezuela, where arbitrary detentions have become increasingly common.
Venezuela held presidential elections on July 28, with Nicolas Maduro running for a third six-year term. While the main opposition candidate was not allowed to stand, it's widely believed that the opposition still managed to win in a landslide. Nevertheless, Maduro declared victory.
Father Cabarca was reportedly in the chapel leading a rosary prayer session when GNB officers attempted to arrest him, said Efecto Cocuyo. In an effort to protect himself, the priest got into a pickup truck. However, GNB officers responded by bringing a tow truck to take the vehicle with Father Cabarca still inside.
News of his arrest spread quickly, prompting parishioners to gather at the GNB headquarters in Machiques to demand the immediate release of their priest.
This is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader pattern of arbitrary detention in Venezuela. In a span of less than 36 hours, Father Cabarca’s arrest follows the detention of Piero Maroun, the organizing secretary of Acción Democrática, a major opposition party, and Gilberto Reina, the director of an indepentent news site. The swift and seemingly targeted arrests of individuals associated with the opposition or critical of the government highlight a systematic crackdown on dissent, à la Nicaragua.
Venezuela has been mired in a deep political and economic crisis for years, with the government of Nicolás Maduro facing accusations of authoritarianism and widespread human rights abuses. The situation has been exacerbated by the government’s manipulation of the results of recent elections.
The international community, including the United Nations and various human rights organizations, has repeatedly condemned the Venezuelan government for its repressive tactics, including the arbitrary detention of political opponents, activists, journalists, and, in this case, even religious leaders.
Father Cabarca’s arrest is particularly alarming because it shows how the government’s repression is extending beyond the usual political spheres to religious communities. This development could have far-reaching implications, potentially fomenting further unrest in a country already teetering on the brink.
The Venezuelan government’s actions reflect a disturbing trend of diminishing freedoms and increasing authoritarian control. As international pressure mounts, it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve. The imprisonment of individuals like Father Cabarca, who serve as moral and spiritual leaders in their communities, could spark a new wave of protests that challenge the government’s grip on power.
