Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a statement requesting the Venezuelan government to take immediate actions towards reforming its judicial and electoral institutions by repealing abusive laws. The organization highlighted the recent release of political prisoners, pointing to a need for genuine reforms to protect human rights in the country. Juanita Goebertus, Director for the Americas at HRW, emphasized that anything less than substantial changes would merely reflect a simulated transition that would not honor the rights of the Venezuelan people.

The call for reform comes in the wake of recent events involving the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores by U.S. forces, which further complicates the political landscape in Venezuela. The political situation has been fraught with tension, and while HRW commends the reduction in the number of political prisoners, it insists that reforms must go beyond surface-level changes to ensure long-lasting justice and accountability within the system.

HRW's stance reflects a growing concern about democratic practices in Venezuela, especially regarding how power transitions are handled amidst external interventions. As the situation evolves, the demand for real and meaningful reform continues to resonate not just within Venezuela but also among international observers who are monitoring the situation closely for its implications on regional stability and human rights protections.