Claudio Grossman, Chilean abogado specialized in human rights and special consultant of the fiscal of the International Criminal Court (ICC), presented his renunciation to the raíz de his inconformidad with the slow pace of the investigation into the complaints of human rights violations in Venezuela bajo el government of Nicolás Maduro. The news was reported this week by the AP agency, after having obtained access to an electronic message sent by Grossman in November to the CPI fiscal, Karim Khan.
In his message, Grossman expressed his frustration at the failure of concrete measures against those responsible for the serious violations reported in the South American country and called for the possibility of renewing his contract. The CPI, for its part, informed that Grossman's role had concluded “in accordance with his pre-existing contract”.
“The tax advisor is definitely appreciated by Professor Grossman for his experience and work,” CPI reported in an official statement.
An expert with extensive coverage
Grossman, born in Chile, is a recognized abogado and former professor of the American University of Washington School of Law. He was appointed as special advisor to Karim Khan in October 2021 as part of a team of volunteer experts whose objective was to strengthen key areas identified by the taxman. His resignation marks a critical moment in the Venezuelan case, which was under international scrutiny due to accusations of crimes against humanity committed during Maduro's government.
The Venezuela investigation: limited progress and growing criticism
The ICC formally launched an investigation into the human rights situation in Venezuela in November 2021. This decision was based on reports of crimes of lese humanità cometidos since 2014, which include violent repression against protesters, torture and arbitrary detentions. However, despite the initial advances, the process has been criticized for its slowness.
In a recent speech, Karim Khan defended the CPI's work, arguing that the Venezuelan case was one of “concentration and sin.” Khan made sure to insist to Venezuelan authorities on the need for real progress in local investigations. During a visit to Caracas in April of that year, he stressed the importance of cooperation from Maduro's government, which received a salute from the ICC in 2021 to facilitate the court's work.
Despite these efforts, human rights organizations and figures like Grossman consider the actions taken so far to be insufficient. In his brief, Grossman made it clear that he could not justify the serious lack of treatment against the perpetrators of serious violations, which forced him to make the decision to abandon his role as a consultant.
Conflict of interest allegations and tax challenges
Grossman's resignation takes place in a context of presidential growth on Karim Khan. In early November, Fundación Arcadia, a Washington-based NGO, urged Khan's recusal from the Venezuela investigation, alleging a supposed conflict of interest due to a member of Maduro's government crew's relationship with the taxman's family.
Khan also denied these allegations and petitioned the ICC's House of Representatives to consider recusal. However, criticism of his management is not limited to the Venezuelan case; The taxman also faces allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct with an assistant, signs he has categorically rejected.
Political context in Venezuela
Meanwhile, Nicolás Maduro is preparing to start a third presidential term on January 10, amidst elections strongly challenged by the failure of transparency and complaints of fraud. International organizations reported the closure of civic space, repression against opponents, and the use of arbitrary detentions as government tactics to maintain political control.
Maduro's government has consistently rejected accusations of fraud and crimes against humanity, claiming that those detained amid the protests are “criminals and terrorists.” Despite these defenses, international pressure for the ICC to move forward in the case continues to intensify.
The Rome Statute and the jurisdiction of the ICC
Venezuela ratified the Rome Statute in the year 2000, which led to the jurisdiction of the ICC to investigate serious crimes such as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity when local authorities are unable or unwilling to undertake an investigative cabo .
In this case, the CPI has indicated that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a formal investigation. However, progress has been slow, leading to frustration among victims and human rights defenders seeking justice.
A call to the nearest action
Grossman's exit reflects a growing impatience inside and outside the CPI with respect to the handling of the Venezuelan case. His waiver alleviates the difficulties the court has encountered in its attempt to address large-scale violations in politically complex contexts.
At a time when international institutions have been criticized for their lack of efficiency, Grossman's resignation sent a clear message about the need for quicker and more decisive action in seeking justice for victims of human rights abuses in Venezuela.
Meanwhile, the future of the CPI investigation into Venezuela continues to be entangled, much as Quienes' destiny seeks to repay money for abuses committed in the country. The renunciation of such a prominent figure as Claudio Grossman underlines the urgency of facing these challenges with greater determination and transparency.
