Venezuela and ICC signs Agreement of Understanding to facilitate cooperation and mutual assistance News
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Venezuela and ICC signs Agreement of Understanding to facilitate cooperation and mutual assistance

The President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, signed a letter of understanding with the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim A.A. Khan QC against atrocious crimes.

The agreement between the two was signed Wednesday during the three days of work with the ICC prosecutor. The Venezuelan government has agreed to cooperate and comply with the investigation plan despite its differing views on the issue, which was even reflected in the agreement. The letter of understanding was signed alongside a full investigation into allegations of crimes committed by the Venezuelan government against opposition protesters in 2017, referred to the ICC by Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru. The protests started because the security forces of Venezuela, under the Maduro regime, have been accused of using excessive force to disperse and put down demonstrations as well as arrest and detain thousands of members of the opposition. Some of them are also believed to have been subjected to abuse and mistreatment.

The ICC in 2018, through its Report on Preliminary Examination Activities 2020, declared that there is reasonable nexus to believe that there were some crimes committed by the Venezuelan government which should be investigated.

The Venezuelan government keeping in mind the requirements of Article 53(1), has moved from the preliminary examination phase to the investigation stage. Also, the limitations of Article 18 of the Rome statute will not apply to the agreement. Lastly, the cooperation must be according to Article 54(3)(d), 86, and 93 of the Rome statute.

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