George Clooney’s foundation sues Venezuela for human rights abuses.

The Clooney Foundation for Justice Accuses Venezuela of Crimes Against Humanity

The Clooney Foundation for Justice, founded by George and Amal Clooney, has taken a bold step in seeking justice for the victims of human rights violations in Venezuela. In a complaint filed before the Argentine federal justice system, the foundation accuses Venezuela of committing crimes against humanity.

“Argentina must investigate the systematic and grave human rights violations committed in Venezuela, based on the principle of universal jurisdiction,”

The foundation’s legal advocacy director, Yasmine Chubin, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, “The Venezuelan justice system is failing victims of mass atrocities in their fight for justice. This is why we are assisting survivors and their families in gathering evidence of the crimes committed against them and seeking alternative jurisdictions to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are held accountable.”

The foundation’s mission, as stated on their website, is to ensure that individuals and corporations complicit in international crimes face justice. They specifically highlight the potential criminal liability of the Venezuelan security forces, who are allegedly involved in crimes against humanity targeting government opposition members and perceived enemies.

The foundation’s Docket team is currently representing the families of two victims who have suffered from indiscriminate violence and killings. These crimes, according to the foundation, have been ongoing since 2014, with the Venezuelan government failing to effectively investigate the alleged international crimes. The list of offenses includes murder, torture, sexual violence, and arbitrary detention, all carried out by Venezuelan officials.

Ignacio Jovtis, the senior program manager leading the foundation’s investigations on Venezuela, expresses hope that Argentina will become a beacon of hope for the Venezuelan families and victims who have been awaiting justice for years. He believes that the Argentine justice system will correctly apply universal jurisdiction and provide an avenue for Venezuelan victims and their families, just as it has done in previous universal jurisdiction cases.