As Venezuelans try to regain a semblance of normalcy following the US capture of President Nicolás Maduro, authorities in the country are cracking down on any show of support for the impeached leader’s ouster.
As Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s acting leader on Monday, the rights group warned of an escalating crackdown, with checkpoints being set up across the country, amid reports of rising prices and growing hunger.
The officials imposed a decree on Monday, which gives broad powers to the presidency and orders the security forces to capture “any person involved in the promotion or support” of the weekend attack by the United States.
That same day, Venezuelan security forces temporarily detained 14 journalists, including journalists who were covering the swearing-in of the country’s national assembly, according to the national press union. No explanation was given for their detention.
It also emerged that political prisoners had their visiting rights suspended and are being prevented from communicating with the outside world, according to the Committee for the Liberation of Political Prisoners in Venezuela.
The committee added that checkpoints are being increased in cities across the country, with people being searched and detained for having “digital material” linked to US military action.
The Minister of the Interior of Venezuela Diosdado Cabello posted two videos on Instagram showing the security forces in the capital. In one video a group of armed men can be heard shouting: “Always loyal, never traitors!”
The police station in downtown Caracas, Venezuela, on January 5. – Cristian Hernandez/AP
Silence and anxiety rule the capital Caracas, caused by the shock of the January 3 attack and the fear of a strong government response.
There is still a strong police presence in Caracas, even if there are fewer soldiers patrolling the streets.
There was little sign of public dissent or even anti-government posts on social media. The fear of retribution looms large under a regime known for punishing dissent, especially considering the officials in charge of past repressions, Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, remain in their roles.
Since Sunday, pro-government groups have taken to the streets to demand the release of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. But these types of demonstrations were limited in size and scope.
Warning signs
Even in the face of uncertainty, Venezuelans seem ready to move forward.
More civilians were seen rioting in the streets of Caracas today. Public offices are operating, the Metro is working, the nearby airport is receiving domestic flights, and supermarkets are still selling products to customers.
Some services are not yet operating at full capacity, partly because of a public holiday, Día de los Reyes (Day of the Three Kings), which has kept many at home.
But in the coming days, schools should reopen, and employees are expected to report back to work full time. Padrino López told people on Sunday to “start their economic activities, work, and all other types of activities, including educational activities, in the coming days.”
The government’s focus seems to be shifting towards restarting the economy, which has been flashing warning signs this week.
Venezuela’s currency, the Bolívar, has suffered a sharp devaluation. Yesterday, there were areas in the city of Maracaibo where shops and stores only accepted cash, and the exchange rate was 900 to 1,000 Bolívares to the US dollar (normally it is around 300).
Empty store shelves in Venezuela. – CNN
Amidst reports of rising prices, some shelves across the country began to be emptied.
Reports of starvation are unrelenting in areas further from the city. In the east of the country, businesses in smaller towns have dropped prices altogether.
The challenges that are affecting the country are abundant. But Venezuelans, who have endured years of crises, know how to deal with difficulties.
Caracas businessman Douglas Sanchez told Reuters on Monday that in the midst of chaos and despair, “those of us who work day to day, who eat day to day” must keep making money. “Because if you don’t go out to work, you have nothing.”
CNN’s Jack Guy, Gonzalo Zegarra and Germán Patiger Contributed to this report.
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