IACHR grants precautionary measures to Biagio Pilieri Gianninoto and his son, members of the Convergencia political party in Venezuela

September 7, 2024

Washington, DC—On September 6, 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Resolution 63/2024 granting precautionary measures to Biagio Pilieri Gianninoto and Jesús Alfredo Pilieri Vasile in Venezuela after determining that they face serious, urgent risk of irreparable harm to their rights.

The request noted that Biagio Pilieri is the national coordinator of Convergencia, a Christian social democratic party, and a member of the leadership of Edmundo González Urrutia's presidential campaign. His son Jesús Alfredo Pilieri Vasile is a youth leader for the party.

On August 28, 2024, the beneficiaries were arrested by individuals who are alleged to be members of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) after participating in a demonstration. While Jesús Alfredo Pilieri Vasile was released the following day, Biagio Pilieri Gianninoto remains in detention, and his family has no information regarding his whereabouts.

The requesting party stated that Biagio Pilieri Gianninoto's age means that he requires frequent medical attention for high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. Concerns were also raised regarding potential reprisals against Jesús Alfredo Pilieri Vasile following his release. The IACHR has not received a response from the State of Venezuela.

In its assessment, the IACHR deemed the situation to be particularly serious, emphasizing the political roles held by both individuals and the lack of official information provided to their family or legal counsel. This has prevented them from seeking domestic protection measures or ensuring that appropriate steps are taken to locate Biagio Pilieri Gianninoto.

After analyzing the factual and legal allegations made by the requesting party, the IACHR called on the State of Venezuela to:

1. take the necessary measures to protect the beneficiaries' rights to life and personal integrity. Specifically, the State must confirm whether Biagio Pilieri Gianninoto remains in the custody of the State at SEBIN headquarters and provide information on the conditions of his detention; the State must also explain the legal basis for his detention and confirm whether he has been brought before a competent court. If no formal charges have been filed, the State must clarify why he has not yet been released. The State must report whether Biagio Pilieri Gianninoto has undergone a medical examination and make the results of this available; it must also ensure that the beneficiary is able to contact his family and legal representatives, who should be provided with official information about his legal status;
2. Implement the necessary measures to ensure that both Biagio Pilieri Gianninoto and Jesús Alfredo Pilieri Vasile can continue their political activities as members of an opposition party without facing threats, harassment, or violence; and
3. report on the measures taken to investigate the alleged circumstances that led to the granting of these precautionary measures, with the aim of preventing their recurrence.

The granting of these precautionary measures and their implementation by the State does not constitute a decision on any petitions that may be filed with the inter-American system concerning violations of rights protected by the applicable instruments.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate stems from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has the mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on the matter. The IACHR is made up of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 209/24

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