The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, inaugurated a “technical assistance office” in the capital of Venezuela to continue investigations against the regime of Nicolás Maduro.
The ICC announced the news in a brief message published on the social network X, where images of the event were shared. However, it was highlighted that despite the inauguration, the office is not yet operational, and no information has been provided on when it will begin operating or who will work there.
The ICC stated that the new space’s primary function is to support efforts to improve national justice initiatives and further increase the Prosecutor’s Office’s field presence.
In #Caracas visit, #ICC Prosecutor @KarimKhanQC opens OTP in-country office in #Venezuela.
In line w/ principles of complementarity & cooperation the office's activities will:
🤝Support efforts aimed at improving nat'l justice initiatives
🌎Further increase OTP field presence pic.twitter.com/gMU0DVzgoX— Int'l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) April 23, 2024
Khan, who arrived in Venezuela last Monday as part of an alleged “joint work plan” between the high court and the Venezuelan regime, assured that this step represents a “unique opportunity” to advance investigations into crimes against humanity In Venezuela.
“We are facing a unique opportunity to continue advancing investigations independently, to really create that link between the laws and the technical support that we are going to provide in favor of Justice,” said Khan from Caracas.
#ICC Prosecutor @KarimKhanQC addresses the National Assembly of #Venezuela, launching a joint workplan between OTP & the Government of 🇻🇪.
The workplan reflects a common effort to support Venezuelan authorities & enhance national justice initiatives in line w/ the #RomeStatute. pic.twitter.com/InfygmHJ89
— Int'l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) April 23, 2024
It is important to remember that the South American country has been the subject of an investigation by the ICC Prosecutor’s Office since November 2021. The dictatorial regime has made several efforts to stop these investigations. However, the ICC considers it necessary to continue with them since the Venezuelan state has not conducted internal investigations into these crimes.
