The climate of fear increases in Venezuela due to continued arbitrary arrests and the disproportionate use of force by law enforcement following the July 28 elections, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said Tuesday.
Volker Turk He found it particularly worrying that so many people were arrested, charged or indicted for inciting hatred or under anti-terrorist legislation.
“Criminal law should never be used to unduly limit rights. to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association,” he recalled in a statement.
Türk urged the immediate release of all persons arbitrarily detained, as well as to ensure fair trials for all detainees.
The detainees have no contact with their families
Data from the Office of the High Commissioner show that more than 2400 arrests since July 29 and they detail that among those detained are protesters, human rights defenders, adolescents, people with disabilities, members of the opposition or people considered related to them, and electoral observers accredited by opposition parties at voting centers.
In most of the cases documented by that agency, detainees have not been allowed appoint a lawyer of their choice or have contact with their relatives.
According to the statement, some of these cases would constitute forced disappearances.
“The disproportionate use of force by law enforcement officers and attacks on protesters by armed pro-government individuals, some of which resulted in deaths, must not be repeated,” the High Commissioner said.
Investigation and accountability
In this regard, he stressed that all deaths in protests must be investigated and that those responsible must be held accountable and punished. according to due process.
Türk also mentioned acts of violence against officials and public buildings by some protesters and stressed that Violence is never the answer.
He also referred to the lists of people wanted for alleged promotion of violence circulating on social networksincluding opposition members and journalists, and the call by the authorities to file complaints against those who have participated in alleged criminal acts, which include legitimate activities such as peaceful protests, exercising freedom of expression or participating in public affairs.
Laws that would undermine civic space
On the other hand, Türk alluded with great concern to the possible adoption of two bills, one referring to the oversight, regulation and financing of NGOs; and the other against fascismneo-fascism and similar expressions.
“I urge the authorities not to adopt these or other laws. that undermine civic and democratic space in the country – in the interest of social cohesion and the future of the country,” he stressed.
The High Commissioner added that he was concerned that some people’s passports had been cancelled as an apparent reprisal for their legitimate work.
“All this is exacerbating tensions and further fragmenting the social fabric of Venezuela“, held.
In conclusion, he stated that The international community has a fundamental role to promote an inclusive dialogue, with the human rights of all Venezuelans at the center.
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