IACHR grants precautionary measures in favor of journalist Ana Carolina Guaita in Venezuela

August 27, 2024

Washington, D.C.- The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Resolution 58/2024 on August 27, 2024 to grant precautionary measures in favor of Ana Carolina Guaita after considering that she is at serious and urgent risk of irreparable harm to her rights in Venezuela.

According to the request, the proposed beneficiary was arrested on August 20, 2024 and taken to the headquarters of the Directorate of Citizen Security at the Governor's Office of La Guaira (Dirección de Seguridad Ciudadana de la Gobernación de la Guaira). On August 22, members of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service allegedly transported her to an unknown location.

It was added that the beneficiary's parents are in hiding. Consequently, based on the available information, third parties have made search efforts by visiting the Directorate of Citizen Security at the Governor's Office of La Guaira to inquire about the proposed beneficiary's whereabouts. However, they were unable to obtain any information. At the judicial level, an attempt was made to file a writ of habeas corpus, which was reportedly not accepted by the relevant judicial authority. Given the lack of response from the State, the Commission has no elements to assess the actions that may have been initiated in her favor.

Upon analyzing the submissions of fact and law, the IACHR considered the seriousness of the situation that the proposed beneficiary faces, which is exacerbated by the context in which she is immersed, as well as her complete lack of protection in light of the events she may currently be experiencing, given that her whereabouts are unknown. Consequently, under the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, it requested that Venezuela:

1. adopt the necessary measures to protect the rights to life and personal integrity of Ana Carolina Guaita Barreto. In particular, inform whether the beneficiary is in the custody of the State and her current circumstances, or provide information on the measures aimed at determining her whereabouts or fate. The Commission considers it necessary for the State to specify whether the beneficiary was brought before a court of competent jurisdiction to review her detention if she had been charged with a crime. Otherwise, provide a detailed explanation for the reasons why the individual has not yet been released;
2. implement the necessary measures to ensure that the beneficiary can carry out her journalistic activities without facing threats, harassment, or acts of violence; and
3. report on the actions taken to investigate the alleged events that led to the adoption of this precautionary measure, so as to prevent such events from reoccurring.

The decision to grant this precautionary measure and its adoption by the State do not constitute a prejudgment of any petition filed with the inter-American system alleging violations of the rights protected in the American Convention and other applicable instruments.

A principal, autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote respect for and to defend human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The IACHR is composed of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 196/24

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