Caracas: from bustling activity to repression after elections and troubling protests

The atmosphere in Caracas has changed drastically since the elections on July 28, when the controversy surrounding the results sparked a wave of protests and a high level of repression. The city, which once seemed full of life and hope, now faces a climate of fear and caution that is felt throughout its territory. The streets, which once vibrated with music and celebrations, have been replaced by an unsettling silence, especially at night when the tension becomes palpable. The experiences of Caracas residents tell a story of abrupt transformation. Andrea, a 22-year-old young merchant from the 23 de Enero neighborhood, describes how daily life has been profoundly affected. "Since the election and the repression of the protests, we are all afraid. We have to be very cautious," she states, reflecting the new reality of a community that was always known for its vibrant nightlife. Now, the streets are deserted as night falls, as if an undeclared curfew has been imposed. 23 de Enero, a neighborhood historically linked to chavismo, has become a focal point of resistance. Andrea mentions that, despite the threats from the colectivos—paramilitary groups loyal to the government—many neighbors joined in the protest with pots and pans. However, intimidation has managed to stifle these expressions of discontent, leading to a notable increase in repression. Carlos, a young man from El Calvario, shares his experience of terror after an attempt to protest. The police's visit to his neighborhood and the arbitrary detentions have left an indelible mark on the community. Repression is not limited to protest events. Reports of mass and violent detentions of innocent people have emerged, particularly targeting impoverished neighborhoods, where poverty and vulnerability make residents easy targets for the authorities. Gonzalo Himiob, a human rights defender and vice president of Foro Penal, denounces that the situation has become a state policy aimed at neutralizing the opposition, using fear as a tool of control. Residents of Caracas are forced to adopt new survival strategies amid the chaos. Some have opted to close their businesses earlier or even stop opening altogether. Fear has led many to erase any signs of opposition from their phones, fearful of retaliation from law enforcement. Distrust among neighbors is growing, and economic activity has been severely restricted, with the hope of a return to normalcy fading quickly. Despite the repression, some sectors of society are trying to move forward. Valentina, an engineer living in the Bello Campo area, recounts how, after witnessing the repression at a nearby protest, she feels unsafe going out on the street. However, necessity pushes many to continue with their daily lives, forcing some businesses to reopen, albeit with significantly reduced clientele. The climate of uncertainty is felt in every corner of the city, and while some try to resume their routines, many others are trapped in a constant state of alert. Any activity involving dissent can be seen as an act of provocation, and the fear of being identified as an opposition member has become a shadow that haunts Caracas residents. Everyone seems to be looking over their shoulder, waiting for a suitable moment to express themselves, but fearing that this moment could cost them their freedom. Thus, Caracas finds itself immersed in a struggle between the hope for political change and the dominance of fear. The elections, which once promised a new beginning, have transformed into a reminder of the regime's oppressive control. Life goes on in the city, but it does so under the shadow of repression, with a population divided between the desire for freedom and the fear of the consequences of demanding that freedom. As the tension persists, the big question looming over the Venezuelan capital is whether it will ever return to that vibrant and hopeful life that seemed to be on the horizon before the election. Repression continues, but in the hearts of many Venezuelans, the flame of resistance burns, hoping that a new dawn will restore the voice and freedom that has been taken from them.