Overview
- The prosecutor said the evidential thresholds for causation and intent were not met, noting sanctions may have worsened hardship but did not prove crimes such as murder or displacement.
- Venezuela referred the case in 2020, alleging U.S. asset freezes and travel bans dating back to about 2014 caused widespread suffering.
- The office emphasized the closure is unrelated to the January 2026 U.S. operation that resulted in Nicolás Maduro’s capture.
- The separate 'Venezuela I' investigation into alleged abuses by Venezuelan security forces during the 2017 crackdown remains active.
- Prosecutors also announced they are moving forward with an investigation into possible crimes against humanity in Belarus following Lithuania’s referral.