Forum 2000 stands in deep concern over the worsening humanitarian and diplomatic crisis unfolding at the Argentine Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela. We have been monitoring alarming reports from local CSOs, international organizations, and journalists about threats, power cuts, and resource shortages—perpetuated by Venezuelan authorities and public servents and enforced by police security forces. These actions target the asylum seekers who remain trapped in the embassy premises, putting their safety and well-being at grave risk.
We condemn the ongoing siege and the persistent threats faced by these political refugees. We urge all relevant authorities and international organizations to take swift measures to uphold human rights and protect the safety of those at risk.
The following statement was shared with us by Pedro Urruchurtu, a Forum 2000‘s Democratic Solidarity Latin America member, international coordinator of the electoral campaign of María Corina Machado and Edmundo González and one of the asylum seekers:
Argentine Embassy, Caracas, Venezuela
20 of February, 2025
In the early hours of Tuesday, February 18, the only power source sustaining the Argentine Embassy in Caracas collapsed. This comes just three days after the five asylum seekers publicly denounced the siege imposed by Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
For three months, the embassy had been rationing power, ever since Corpoelec employees stole the fuse from the diplomatic residence, under Brazilian protection. Now, there is no electricity, no water, and no connectivity. Food supplies are limited, and water deliveries—already restricted to 2,000 liters every 13 days—are now completely unreliable.
Magallí Meda, Pedro Urruchurtu, Claudia Macero, Omar González, and Humberto Villalobos, leaders of the María Corina Machado and Edmundo González campaign, have been trapped inside for nearly a year, falsely accused by the regime. They have endured armed intimidation, food and medical shortages, and constant threats.
We call on the international community and diplomatic bodies in Venezuela to intervene immediately.
We demand:
- The return of the stolen electric fuses to restore power.
- Safe-passage permits so they can leave Venezuela without delay, in accordance with international diplomatic agreements.
Every hour without action puts lives at risk.
The world must act now.
