Many world leaders - including Australia - have condemned the inauguration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term and was inaugurated on 10 January. Since then, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have expressed concerns about the presidency in a statement.
“We urge Venezuelan authorities to respect democratic principles and to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedoms of opinion and expression, and of peaceful assembly,” the statement said.
“The Australian Government reiterates its calls for a peaceful return to democracy in Venezuela and the immediate release of all political detainees by Venezuelan authorities.”
Maduro rose to power after the death of left-wing leader Hugo Chavez in 2013 and his tenure has been filled with accusations of authoritarianism as well as economic and political unrest.
Maduro was quick to claim victory in last year’s July elections claiming that he received 51% of the votes.
While the country’s electoral authorities sided with Maduro, the opposition had published claims that his opponent Edmundo Gonzalez won by a convincing margin.
The inauguration came a day after opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado made a rare public appearance since her arrest to lead a protest against his rule.
In a post to X, Machado thanked those who came out to support the protest.
“I am now in a safe place and with more determination than ever before to continue with you until the end,” she posted.
Nearly 7.7 million people have fled the country due to allegations of political repression or economic instability.
G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.K., the U.S., and the High Representative of the European Union, condemned the inauguration in a joint statement.
In the statement, they disapproved of the repression of the Venezuelan citizens and Machado.
“In a democracy, no political leader should be forced to seek refuge outside their homeland,” the statement said.
“This unacceptable development underscores the urgent need for an environment in Venezuela where democratic engagement can flourish without fear of reprisal.”
“We remain committed to working with Venezuelans and the international community to ensure that the democratic will of the Venezuelan people, as expressed in the July election, is respected and a peaceful transition of power process is established.”
Washington has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of Maduro from US$15 million (A$24.2 million) to US$25 million.