UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has voiced his deep concern over the high and continuing number of arbitrary detentions, as well as disproportionate use of force reported in the aftermath of presidential elections in Venezuela, and the resulting climate of fear.
“It is especially troubling that so many people are being detained, accused or charged either with incitement to hatred or under counterterrorism legislation. Criminal law must never be used to limit unduly the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association,” UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said in the biweekly UN press briefing in Geneva.
According to official statements, over 2,400 people have been arrested since 29 July. This figure includes the arbitrary detention of protesters, human rights defenders, adolescents, people with disabilities, members of the opposition or those perceived to be connected to them, as well as people who served as electoral observers accredited by opposition parties in polling stations.
“The High Commissioner calls for the immediate release of everyone who has been arbitrarily detained, and for fair trial guarantees for all detainees” Shamdasani said. “The disproportionate use of force by law enforcement officials and the attacks on demonstrators by armed individuals supporting the government, some resulting in deaths, must not be repeated.”
She said there were also reports of acts of violence against public officials and public buildings by some demonstrators.
“All deaths in the context of protests must be investigated and those responsible held accountable, in line with due process and fair trial standards,” Shamdasani told the journalists. – UNNewsroom
