Argentine Court Reopens Case Against Venezuela for Crimes Against Humanity

What You Need to Know:

An Argentine court announced on Friday its intent to reopen a case of crimes against humanity against Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and Disodado Cabello, Deputy of Venezuela’s National Assembly. The accusation pertains to a bout of anti-government protests which occurred in Venezuela in February 2014, where the aforementioned men authorized security forces to respond to the protests with violence. 

Background

1. An Argentine court has decided to reopen a case against President Nicolas Maduro and Deputy Disodado Cabello for crimes against humanity.
2. The case is related to anti-government protests in Venezuela in February 2014, where security forces were authorized to use violence.

Universal Jurisdiction

• The Clooney Foundation, run by George and Amal Clooney, filed a complaint in June 2023 with the Argentine judicial system.
• The complaint aims to investigate allegations of crimes against humanity in Venezuela using the principle of universal jurisdiction.
• Universal jurisdiction allows national courts to prosecute individuals for serious crimes regardless of their nationality or where the crime was committed.

The Docket Initiative

• The Clooney Foundation’s Docket Initiative utilizes legal experts to advocate for the prosecution of those who commit mass atrocities.

Investigation and Evidence

• The Argentine federal prosecutor opened the investigation based on The Docket’s findings.
• The investigation focuses on the potential criminal liability of Venezuelan security forces for committing crimes against humanity against victims associated with the government’s political opposition.
• The complaint is supported by over 15,000 pages of evidence documenting the crimes against humanity in Venezuela.

The Details:

According to the Buenos Aires Times, the case was initially shelved by Argentine prosecutors due to the fact that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had been investigating claims against Maduro and his associates since 2018. 

• The case was initially closed by Argentine prosecutors because the ICC was already investigating allegations against Maduro and his associates.

The victims, however, appealed the decision not to prosecute in Argentina. On Friday, judges Pablo Bertuzzi and Leopoldo Bruglia claimed “it is necessary to revoke the decision [to close the case].”

So, What Now?

In recent months, Argentina has been actively opposing democratic backsliding in Venezuela.

• An unnamed government official confirmed that the Venezuelan government will grant safe passage to six members of Venezuelan opposition candidate María Corina Machado’s team into Argentina.

In March, these six members sought refuge in the Argentine embassy in Caracas after arrest warrants were issued for their alleged involvement in a plot to destabilize the Maduro government.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The SDGs that are connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

The specific targets under SDG 16 that can be identified based on the article’s content are:

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
2. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
3. Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets, and combat all forms of organized crime
4. Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
5. Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No, there are no indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: theatlasnews.co

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