This warning comes the day after President Nicolas Maduro demanded that the powers of the state act with “iron hand” after protests that erupted in the country for his questionable re-election.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Tuesday expressed concern about arbitrary arrests in Venezuela and the disproportionate use of force that fuel the “climate of fear” since the presidential election.
“It is particularly worrying that so many people are being arrested, charged or charged with incitement to hatred or under anti-termated legislation. Criminal law should never be used to unduly limit the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association,” Volker T.rk said in a statement.
“In a climate of fear, it is impossible to apply democratic principles and protect human rights. In a climate of fear like this, when you disagree with government policy, you don’t express yourself,” its spokesman, Ravina Shamdasani, said at a press conference.
This warning comes the day after President Nicolas Maduro demanded that the powers of the state act with “iron hand” after protests that erupted in the country for his questionable re-election.
Maduro was proclaimed with 52% of the vote for a third six-year term in the July 28 election, but the opposition denounces “a massive fraud.”
The announcement of his victory sparked protests that have left 25 dead and 192 injured.
“All deaths in the context of the protests must be investigated and those responsible must be held accountable and punished,” said T.rk.
Based on official data, the UN notes that more than 2,400 people have been arrested since July 29.
In most cases documented by the High Commissioner, detainees were not allowed to appoint a lawyer of their choice or to have contact with their relatives.
“Some of these cases would constitute enforced disappearances,” the statement added.
- Oenegés in the spotlight -T?rk called for “the immediate release of all persons who have been arbitrarily detained, and guarantees of fair trials for all detainees.”
“The disproportionate use of force by law enforcement and attacks on protesters by armed people who support the government, some of whom resulted in deaths, should not be repeated,” he continued.
There were also reports of violence against officials and public buildings by some protesters, the High Commissioner said.
“Violence is never the answer,” he said.
He also expressed concern about the possible adoption of a bill on the surveillance and financing of oenegens, as well as a bill “against fascism, neo-fascism and similar expressions.”
“I urge the authorities not to adopt these or other laws that undermine the civic and democratic space in the country, in the interest of social cohesion and the future of the country,” T.rk insisted.
The UN High Commissioner has no longer staffed in Venezuela, since Caracas asked him to suspend his activities in February for denouncing the arrest of a human rights activist. In April, Maduro announced that the office was reopening but “they have not yet been allowed to return, negotiations are currently at a standstill,” spokeswoman Shamdasani said.
This article has been translated after first appearing in El Salvador