In the quiet and desolate residence of the Argentine embajador in Caracas, the days pass without the usual diplomatic activities and characteristic sounds of the Christmas season. The only noise that breaks the silence is the occasional chug of a small diesel generator, which political refugees in the place turn on twice a day to charge their phones. Beyond that, the villa remains motionless, like an oversized prison inhabited by a handful of people.
In the place of diplomats, the complex hosts five members of the Venezuelan opposing leader's team María Corina Machadopeople seek political asylum in March. Since then, he has remained there in diplomatic custody as he faces growing asylum and what they describe as “psychological torture” at the hands of Venezuelan security forces.
A low waist constant vigilance
The kindergarten Omar Gonzalezfor 74 years, denounced in a virtual press conference that the pressure on them has intensified in recent weeks. «We are under constant surveillance, monitored by drones and shooters. Nadie can visit us without authorization, and the psychological and spiritual damage we face is immense,” he stated.
The residence, which is now the lower diplomatic custody of Brazil, after the Argentine diplomats were expelled, has been undermined by points of control of the Venezuelan security forces. Although the authorities did not enter the building, the search was endured over time. According to the group, the pressure reached a new level when, on November 26, the state energy company cut electricity consumption at the building. Since then, the diesel generator has been his only source of energy, limited to a few hours a day.
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Luis Almagrorecently published a photo of an alleged francotirador guarding the residence from a searched tree, which illustrates the degree of control that Nicolás Maduro's government exercises over the place.
Los refugees: activists low amenaza
El grupo de silados, made up of activists and collaborators of Machado, assures that his «only crime» has sido luchar for a free Venezuela. Among them, Omar González, Magalli Meda, Pedro Urruchurtu Yes Claudia Macero shared details about the harsh conditions encountered inside the residence.
«Electricity is our biggest problem. We can't go up to charge our phones or use the bathroom when the generator isn't running,” explained Meda, who also noted that the water supply depends on a small tank that can only bomb when the generator is on.
To overcome Islam, Meda, a professional designer, met with advice in painting. His works reflect his emotional state, with images of saving horses, people in open jaws and a small piece in a sheep with the word “horizonte” written below. “This mess has been converted into a prison,” he said.
For his part, Pedro Urruchurtu, Machado's international relations consultant, is intent on maintaining his routine by running 8,000 daily steps in the patio delantero. However, I admit that the voltage and insulation outweighed the bill. «Every day it is more difficult. We are not gathered here as if it were a celebration; fall one frenta esto a su manera», he commented.
A context of political persecution
The opposition group took refuge in the Argentine residence during the presidential elections in July, where Maduro's government was proclaimed ganador. The opposition, led by Edmundo González, published voting documents which, after them, proved its victory. Independent observers are calling for official results, but Maduro remains in control and prepares to start a new mandate on January 10.
Since the elections, repression against opponents has been relentless. Miles of activists were arrested, and María Corina Machado's team was accused of terrorist activities and treason. While the Venezuelan government does not believe residency is blocked, it has also stated that asylum seekers will “terminate tras las rejas.”
Fernando Martinez Mottolaone of the six initial silados, left the residence for the past few players. Following a communication from the Fiscal General of Venezuela, Martínez “voluntarily” declared himself contrary to the accusations and agreed to collaborate with the authorities. It is not clear under which terms they have abandoned residence, nor whether other refugees will be able to follow the same path without being arrested.
Insulation and resistance
The isolation inside the residence is total. Without constant electricity and with limited resources, the isolated live monotonous days that seem endless. “Es como si el tiempo se hubiera detenido,” said Urruchurtu, who celebrated his birthdays in October with a video call to his family.
Claudia Macero, spokesperson for Machado, admitted that this is where you sleep. «Sometimes I get distracted and I don't even remember what day of the week it is, because everyone feels the same», he commented. However, the group is committed to maintaining hope, working remotely as much as possible for the opposition movement and helping the families of other detained activists.
An international call to action
The group has repeatedly called for other countries and international organizations to intervene to ensure their safety. Although Argentina left asylum in March, leaving Venezuela without being arrested seems impossible under the current circumstances.
According to international law, citizens who have received political asylum must be able to leave their country of origin without suffering reprisals. However, in this case, the situation is complicated due to the control that the Venezuelan government exercises.
Magalli Meda expressed his frustration with international institutions, which have been accused of being ineffective. «We should do more to help us, but end up being slow and bureaucratic», he stated.
An uncertain future
As the group enters its tenth month in residency, the future continues to feel uncertain. Lack of electricity, running water and sufficient food are questions about how long they could last under these conditions.
For the night, the silados are heated, as the delayer in Caracas starts at 6 pm and, without electric light, depends on the sails and the interiors. Despite everything, try to keep your spirit. «Maintaining a routine is key, as we learned during the pandemic. Divide the time between work and essential work so as not to lose strength”, Urruchurtu said.
For them, the residence is now as much a refuge as a prison. However, his determination to hold companies to his ideals and his fight for a free Venezuela have not diminished. As you relate to Christmas, face the bitter reality of spending it until recently with your families and in conditions of extreme isolation.
The case of those isolated in the Argentine ambassador's residence not only reflects the political crisis in Venezuela, but also the challenges of political asylum in contexts of repression. While there is hope for a solution, his story is a record of the persistent struggle of human rights and freedom amidst adversity.
