Crisis in Venezuela: Maduro intensifies repression ahead of imminent inauguration.

The situation in Venezuela has intensified in recent days, with the international community closely watching the recent escalation of tensions between Nicolás Maduro's regime and the opposition led by Edmundo González Urrutia. In an urgent appeal, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Venezuelan authorities to avoid "further repression" in the context of Maduro's impending inauguration, scheduled for this Friday. This situation creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and concern in a country that has experienced political and humanitarian crises for years.

Guterres expressed through his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, that his concern is based on reports of human rights violations in Venezuela. These alerts have included arbitrary detentions of opposition leaders and human rights defenders. The UN, however, finds itself in a delicate position, as it does not have the authority to certify the legitimacy of the electoral results disputed between Maduro and González Urrutia. This highlights the complexity of the political situation in the country, where the interpretation of events varies drastically among the involved parties.

Edmundo González Urrutia has taken on the role of legitimate contender in these elections, claiming to have won over 60% of the votes, according to records presented by the opposition. In light of the lack of transparency and response from Maduro's government, his statements have resonated in the international community, which is watching with concern the potential for an escalation of violence in the coming days. González Urrutia has announced his intention to present himself in Caracas for his inauguration, which could lead to confrontations with the regime's forces.

Maduro's response to this situation has been the militarization of the streets, through the activation of a structure known as "integral direction bodies" (ODIS). This new mechanism, which combines military, police, and community forces, aims to consolidate control over the population under the pretext of "defending peace." In practice, this translates into a reinforcement of authoritarianism and an attempt to silence any opposition to his government.

The creation of these structures was announced by Maduro at an event in the Miraflores Palace, where he appeared in military uniform, seeking to project an image of authority and control. The ODIS are intended to operate in all 355 municipalities of the country, implying unprecedented surveillance and repression in a territory already besieged by crisis. Thus, the government seems to be preparing to face any form of resistance that may arise against his inauguration.

Meanwhile, the international community continues to raise alarms. Human rights organizations have strongly criticized these actions, which they consider an attempt to stifle dissent in a country that urgently needs a peaceful solution to its political conflict. Maduro's response to the criticisms has been defiant, insisting that his actions are necessary to maintain the country's stability, arguing that any protest is a threat to peace.

The coming days will be crucial for Venezuela's political future. The UN has made it clear that its goal is a full recount of the electoral records, a demand that Maduro has ignored so far. The lack of transparency in the electoral process and the use of force by the government could lead to a scenario of increased violence and polarization.

Tensions are at a peak, and the possibility of confrontations between González Urrutia's supporters and the regime's security forces is becoming increasingly real. The international community watches with great concern, and any act of repression is expected to be firmly condemned.

The future of Venezuela depends on the ability of its leaders to find a path toward dialogue and reconciliation. However, Maduro's actions suggest that repression may be his only response to a challenge that could ultimately result in greater isolation of the country on the international stage. The need for a peaceful and negotiated solution has never been more urgent in a country that has suffered so much over the years.