WASHINGTON, DC – The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars expresses its deep concern regarding the recent arrest warrant issued by the Venezuelan regime for the former Interim President and opposition leader, Mr. Juan Guaidó. This unjust persecution is yet another example of the systemic human rights violations taking place in Venezuela, as documented in several reports issued by the UN's Fact-Finding Mission and other international human rights organizations.

Furthermore, this politically motivated persecution demonstrates, yet again, the Maduro regime's unwillingness to respect democratic order and abuse of the judiciary to undermine the rule of law which is exacerbating the profound crisis that Venezuela is currently enduring.

We firmly believe that the respect for human rights, transparency, and the upholding of democratic principles are vital for stability and prosperity. The Wilson Center, as an institution committed to fostering understanding and collaboration on global issues, condemns the Maduro regime. We urge the international community to not sit idly by as these types of persecution continue and it should prioritize the principles of justice, human rights, and democratic governance.

In alignment with this mission, we took pride in hosting former Interim President Guaidó at the Wilson Center this past May for a discussion on the repression of the democratic opposition by the Maduro regime.

We continue to closely monitor the situation in Venezuela and hope for a peaceful resolution that upholds the values of democracy and the rule of law.