IACHR
Press Release
IACHR Grants Precautionary Measures in Favor of Two Detainees and One Person Whose Whereabouts Are Officially Unknown Following Arrest in Venezuela
September 9, 2020
Washington, D.C. - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) adopted on September 2, 2020 three resolutions to grant precautionary measures in favor of two detainees and one person whose whereabouts remained officially unknown following arrest in Venezuela. The Commission considered that these individuals faced a serious, urgent risk of suffering irreparable damage to their rights.
The IACHR therefore issued the following resolutions:
- Resolution 52/2020 (PM-456-20), in favor of Robert Joan Maldonado Molina, who is being deprived of liberty. The Commission noted that, according to the request for this precautionary measure, the beneficiary has not been getting the medical assistance prescribed to preserve his health.
- Resolution 53/2020 (PM-662-20), in favor of Oscar Adolfo Morales Betancourt, who is being deprived of liberty. The IACHR noted that, according to the request for this precautionary measure, the beneficiary has not been getting the medical assistance he requires and that he is not being taken to hospital in keeping with the relevant court decision.
- Resolution 54/2020 (PM-698-20), in favor of Juan José Gámez Maza. The request for this precautionary measure noted that Gámez Maza’s whereabouts or official location remained unknown since he was arrested by officers of the State. The IACHR asked the State of Venezuela for information concerning these three precautionary measures but received no details that might indicate an adequate mitigation of these allegations. The fact that this precautionary measure has been granted and its adoption by the State do not entail a prejudgment on alleged violations of rights protected by the 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 Commission is composed of seven independent members who are elected in an individual capacity by the OAS General Assembly and who do not represent their countries of origin or residence.
No. 213/20