The high number of “arbitrary arrests” in Venezuela and the “disproportionate use” of force that “fuel the climate of fear” since the presidential elections is a cause for great concern, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Tuesday.
“It is particularly worrying that so many people are being arrested, charged or accused of inciting hatred or under anti-terrorist legislation. Criminal law must never be used to unduly restrict the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association,” Volker Türk said in a statement.
The warning comes the day after President Nicolás Maduro called on the powers of the State to act with an “iron fist” following the protests that broke out in the country over his disputed re-election.
Maduro was elected to a third six-year term in office with 52 percent of the vote in the July 28 election, but the opposition has denounced “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 Türk.
According to official statements, the UN says 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 have contact with their families.
“Some of these cases would constitute forced disappearances,” the statement added.
Türk called for “the immediate release of all those who have been arbitrarily detained, and guarantees of fair trials for all those detained.”
“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,” he continued.
There were also reports of violence against public officials and buildings by some protesters, the High Commissioner said.
“Violence is never the answer,” he stressed.
Türk also expressed concern about the possible adoption of a bill on surveillance and funding of NGOs, as well as a bill “against fascism, neo-fascism and similar expressions.”
“I urge the authorities not to adopt these or any other laws that undermine the civic and democratic space in the country, in the interest of social cohesion and the future of the country,” Türk insisted.
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