Venezuelan opposition members seeking safety at the Argentine ambassador's residence in Caracas have reported severe isolation and constant surveillance from government forces. For over nine months, five political asylum seekers living under these conditions describe their existence as akin to being trapped within the confines of a prison.
Omar González, one of the asylum seekers, expressed the dire situation during a recent virtual press conference. “The pressure from the government has been increasing. We are under constant surveillance and cannot receive visitors without prior authorization,” he stated, explaining the psychological toll this isolation has taken. “The psychological damage we are subject to is tremendous.”
Following July’s controversial presidential election, which saw Nicolás Maduro claim victory amid widespread allegations of voter fraud, the fate of several opposition members became precarious. These asylum seekers, aligned with opposition leader María Corina Machado, have been living under protection since they fled the political turmoil.
After the election, observers highlighted discrepancies between official results and voting receipts submitted by the opposition, casting doubt on Maduro’s legitimacy. Many independent electoral experts believe these receipts indicate genuine support for opposition candidate Edmundo González. He too has sought refuge outside Venezuela, currently living in exile.
“It’s important to point out,” González emphasized, “that there are six civilians, political activists whose only crime is fighting for a free Venezuela. We are threatened and isolated; every day it gets worse.” Since March, when many opposition leaders entered the embassy, the situation around the compound has deteriorated, described as constantly under siege by security forces.
The Argentine embassy, once home to diplomatic staff, now finds its residents holed up under surveillance, with their living conditions worsening as Venezuelan authorities cut off electricity and severely limit access to basic necessities. The Argentine flag has since been replaced with Brazil’s, as the compound fell under their diplomatic protection after Argentine diplomats were expelled from Venezuela.
According to various reports, checkpoints surrounding the building have heightened security tensions, with authorities preventing outsiders from entering. Drones frequently fly overhead, and Venezuelan police have threatened to storm the building. “Power is our biggest issue; we can’t even go to the toilet when the generator’s off. We are completely isolated,” shared Magalli Meda, who works close to Machado and has participated actively during this arduous time.
The humanitarian aspect of their struggle has also been grim, as access to clean water and electricity remains limited. Residents rely on a small tank for water, which requires electricity to pump through the building. With generators running only intermittently, they face severe hardships during their confinement.
“This embassy has become like a prison,” Meda remarked, turning to art as one coping mechanism to express her feelings about the confinement. With paintings of creatures bound for slaughter, like pigs and fish trapped inside bowls, she channels her struggles through creativity, depicting the reality of being trapped without freedom.
Pedro Urruchurtu, another member of Machado’s team and adviser on international relations, still attempts to maintain some semblance of routine. “Each of us has different coping mechanisms, but mostly alone,” he said. His daily runs and reading keep his focus, yet isolation has taken its toll on everyone involved. “It’s as if time halted,” he reflected on their prolonged confinement.
Meanwhile, the international community has largely remained passive, leading residents to question how much longer they can endure the mounting pressure. Despite requests for external assistance, support has been slow, exacerbated by how the atmosphere around them has changed.
On December 13, Secretary-General of the Organization of American States, Luis Almagro, shared photographs showing Venezuelan security activities around the residence. The images highlighted serious concerns about the treatment of the opposition members living there.
Despite these challenges, they hold steadfast to their commitment for a free Venezuela. They work tirelessly to raise awareness about the plight of opposition activists still imprisoned within the country. With Detroit’s resounding call for justice echoing even beyond their confines, they stand resolute against the oppressive regime they’ve faced.
Each approaching holiday, including Christmas, serves as harsh reminders of separation, as many of their families are overseas. Members like Claudia Macero share the feeling of disorientation. “Sometimes I wake up and don’t even know what day of the week it is,” she confessed, seeking solace amid the chaos. “Everything is the same—routine under duress. But we are still here, and we’re still fighting.”
The situation for these Venezuelan political asylum seekers remains dire as they strive to maintain hope and continue their struggle for democracy, even as the obstacles against them grow bleak.
