The National Assembly building in Venezuela. UN: All deaths in the context of protests in Venezuela must be investigated Human Rights
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed deep concern on Tuesday about the continued arbitrary detentions and disproportionate use of force against protesters following the presidential elections in Venezuela. According to him, a climate of fear reigns in the country.
The use of hate speech charges and counter-terrorism laws against large numbers of people is particularly worrying, UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said at a press briefing in Geneva. She stressed that criminal laws should not be used to unduly restrict the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
More than 2,400 people have been arrested since 29 July, according to official figures. These include protesters, human rights defenders, adolescents, people with disabilities, members of the opposition or those perceived to be associated with them, and opposition party observers at polling stations.
“The High Commissioner calls for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained and for fair trial guarantees for all those detained,” Shamdasani said.
“The disproportionate use of force by law enforcement officials and attacks on demonstrators by pro-government armed men, some of which have resulted in deaths, must not be repeated,” she added.
There have also been reports of violence against government officials and property by armed men, the OHCHR representative said. protesters.
“All deaths in the context of protests must be investigated and those responsible held accountable in accordance with due process and fair trial standards,” Shamdasani said.