The United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, asked the Venezuelan government on Tuesday to reject bills to regulate the operation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and social networks due to the negative impact they would have on human rights and democracy in general.
The Presidency of the Venezuelan National Assembly has indicated that the first project is planned to be approved today in a second discussion, while the second is in preparation after President Nicolás Maduro pointed to the American companies WhatsApp and Instagram and the Chinese company TikTok as instruments “that multiply hatred and fascism.”
“I urge the authorities not to adopt these or other laws that undermine the civic and democratic space in the country,” Türk said.
In the context of the protests and the response to them by law enforcement, the UN human rights chief called for the release of “all persons arbitrarily detained” and for judicial guarantees to be respected in the proceedings.
He said he had received information that authorities had cancelled the passports of some people, apparently in retaliation for the work they do.
More worrying data
He also said that lists of people wanted for allegedly promoting violence, including opposition members and journalists, were circulating on social media.
“There are also calls from the authorities for charges to be filed against those who participated in alleged criminal acts, which would include legitimate activities such as participating in public affairs, peaceful protests or exercising the right to freedom of expression,” he said in a statement read out in Geneva by his spokesman.
In relation to the protests, the High Commissioner denounced “the high and continued number of arbitrary arrests” and the “disproportionate use” of force reported following the presidential elections of July 28 in Venezuela.
“It is particularly worrying that so many people are being arrested, charged or accused of inciting hatred or under anti-terrorism legislation. Criminal law must never be used to unduly restrict rights,” she said.
Official figures
According to official statements, more than 2,400 people have been arrested in the context of this new crisis in Venezuela.
Türk spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani confirmed that since the Venezuelan government’s decision to close her agency’s office in Caracas, there have been talks to resume its work in the field and that these contacts have continued after the elections “at different levels.”
Currently, UN staff – expelled from Venezuela last February – are working from Panama to monitor the human rights situation.
New York / EFE
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2024-08-15 05:00:02
