Inter-American Court Hears 2002 Venezuela Protest Case

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights held a public hearing on October 14 in San José, Costa Rica, examining Venezuela's responsibility for the repression of the April 11, 2002 protests. The case, titled Trujillo y otros vs. Venezuela, stems from demonstrations against the mass firing of Pdvsa workers.

Foro Penal directors Alfredo Romero and Gonzalo Himiob participated in the hearing, representing victims who have waited nearly 25 years for judicial resolution. The NGO asserts that 19 people were killed and over 300 wounded by gunfire during the protests.

“The hearing before the Inter-American Court constitutes an opportunity to determine the international responsibility of the State, establish corresponding reparations and rea”

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) referred the case to the Court in July 2024 after concluding in its Merits Report No. 313/23 that Venezuela violated rights to life, personal integrity, assembly, and judicial guarantees. The Commission found the state failed to prove the use of lethal force was legitimate or proportionate.

Mohamad Merhi, father of 18-year-old victim Jesús Mohamad Capote, testified before the Court demanding an end to "total impunity." He recounted witnessing shootings near the La Pedrera corner and Puente Llaguno around 3:30 p.m., describing seeing photographer Jorge Tortoza among the first killed.

The IACHR identified seven deceased and five injured individuals within the specific case file presented to the Court, a lower figure than Foro Penal's overall count for the day's events. The Court will now deliberate on state responsibility and potential reparations.