Opposition Leader Abducted in Venezuela Amidst Political Crackdown
Security Forces Arrest Democratic Center Party Official in Bolívar State
The Vente Venezuela party has raised alarms following the forceful abduction of Yangir Loggiodice, its general secretary, by Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (Sebin). The incident occurred in Bolívar state, with reports indicating a significant operation involving at least 30 armed agents.
Arbitrary Detention Denounced
Vente Venezuela described the seizure as an “arbitrary kidnapping,” stating that agents forcibly entered the location where Loggiodice was situated. The party has demanded immediate information on his whereabouts and safety, calling for his swift release.
DENUNCIA PÚBLICA | El régimen de Nicolás Maduro secuestró hoy en el estado Bolívar a nuestro Secretario General, Yangir Loggiodice. Unos 30 funcionarios del Sebin irrumpieron en la casa donde se encontraba y se lo llevaron contra su voluntad. pic.twitter.com/3f8e7uNf7k
— Vente Venezuela (@VenteVenezuela) July 5, 2024
Wave of Repression Follows Election Dispute
This arrest is seen as part of a broader pattern of repression by the Nicolás Maduro administration, intensifying after the July 28 presidential elections. Opposition groups, including the Democratic Unity Platform (Pud), have alleged electoral fraud, asserting that Edmundo González Urrutia was the rightful winner, a claim dismissed by the National Electoral Council.
Escalating Political Prisoner Count
Human rights organizations are documenting a sharp rise in political detentions. As of June 30, 2025, the NGO Criminal Forum reported 940 political prisoners in Venezuela, comprising 844 men, 96 women, and four adolescents. Among those detained are 85 foreign nationals, with the majority of arrests occurring post-election. This situation mirrors trends seen globally, where human rights groups like Amnesty International have documented widespread arbitrary detentions in various authoritarian regimes Amnesty International Annual Report 2023.
Government Denies Political Persecution
The Venezuelan government consistently denies holding political prisoners, with Attorney General Tarek William Saab asserting that detainees face common criminal charges. However, international bodies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, have expressed serious concerns. Türk recently highlighted “arbitrary detentions, violations of due process and forced disappearances, amid continuous allegations of torture and ill-treatment” in the country.
Systematic Repression Alleged
Organizations such as Provea, Access to Justice, and Criminal Forum have reported a systematic pattern of state repression in Venezuela. These tactics allegedly include raids, prolonged isolation, physical and psychological torture, and judicial proceedings lacking fundamental guarantees.
Intimidation Tactics
Vente Venezuela insists that these arbitrary arrests are part of a strategy to intimidate citizens, deter public mobilization, and silence political opposition figures challenging the current regime. The party plans to escalate Loggiodice‘s case to international forums, demanding his presentation before an impartial court.
The continued lack of official confirmation regarding Loggiodice‘s location fuels fears of a forced disappearance, a direct contravention of international humanitarian law.
