IACHR grants precautionary measures to Osmary Sánchez, pregnant detainee in Venezuela

September 30, 2024

Washington, D.C. —On September 27, 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Resolution 67/2024, through which it granted precautionary measures to Osmary Gabriela Sánchez Chirinos, after determining that her rights to life, personal integrity, and health are at risk of suffering irreparable harm.

The requesting party reported that Osmary Gabriela Sánchez Chirinos, who is pregnant, was arbitrarily detained on August 7, 2024, by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CIP) of the Bolivarian National Police (PNB) in Coro, Falcón state, following accusations made by a "cooperating patriot." The accusations alleged that Sánchez Chirinos incited hatred through a community WhatsApp group, leading to her arrest on charges of terrorism and instigation of hatred. According to the request, she was denied access to her legal counsel during her indictment hearing. She is reportedly experiencing high blood pressure, an infection, and a high fever and is being subjected to psychological torture by prison officials. Venezuela has not responded to these claims.

After analyzing the factual and legal allegations made by the requesting party, the IACHR deemed the beneficiary's situation to be serious and urgent, concluding that she is not receiving appropriate medical care. The IACHR noted that Osmary Sánchez was detained as part of "Operation Tun Tun," a campaign targeting individuals perceived as dissidents because they have contested the results of the July 2024 presidential elections. It also underscored the unsuitability of her conditions of detention, particularly given that she is pregnant and is not receiving the care she requires. The IACHR deemed that the circumstances are impacting the beneficiary's physical and psychological well-being.

After analyzing the factual and legal allegations in light of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR has decided to grant the precautionary measure and calls on the State of Venezuela to:

1. take all necessary measures to protect Osmary Gabriela Sánchez Chirinos's rights to life, personal integrity, and health, applying a gender perspective, in line with international standards;
2. take all necessary measures to ensure that her conditions of detention meet international standards, ensuring that she is provided with appropriate medical care and that her medical treatment is decided upon;
3. coordinate with the beneficiary and her representatives on the implementation of these measures; and
4. report on any actions taken to investigate the alleged events that led to these precautionary measures to prevent further such occurrences.

The granting of these precautionary measures and their implementation by the State do not imply any prejudgment on petitions that may be filed before the inter-American system concerning violations of rights protected by the American Convention on Human Rights and other applicable instruments.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate stems from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has the mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on the matter. The IACHR is made up of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 232/24

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