• World Report 2012: Venezuela

    The weakening of Venezuela’s democratic system of checks and balances under President Hugo Chávez has contributed to a precarious human rights situation. Without judicial checks on its actions, the government has systematically undermined the right to free expression, workers’ freedom of association, and the ability of human rights groups to protect rights.  

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Venezuela

  • Venezuela: Investigate Burglaries of Rights Group
    Nov 28, 2011
    Venezuela should ensure that an investigation into two recent burglaries of the offices of the nongovernmental organization Espacio Público, a human rights group, is prompt, thorough, and impartial.
  • Venezuela: End Harassment of TV Station
    Oct 19, 2011
    The draconian fine imposed on Venezuelan television station Globovisión for reporting on a prison riot harms freedom of expression in the country. The administrative action against the only television channel available without cable that remains critical of President Hugo Chávez’s government could undermine Venezuelans’ ability to obtain diverse information.
  • Venezuela: Supreme Court Disregards Rights in Election Case
    Oct 18, 2011
    The Venezuelan Supreme Court’s decision on October 17, 2011, to disregard a binding decision by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in the case of an opposition politician is a blow to the rule of law.
  • Venezuela: Implement Inter-American Court Ruling
    Sep 20, 2011
    Venezuela is legally obligated to implement a judgement by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights instructing it to uphold the political rights of an opposition leader barred from office. The secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS) and leaders of member states should insist that the government of President Hugo Chávez recognizes and fulfills this obligation.
  • Venezuela: Protect Human Rights Defender
    Aug 29, 2011
    The Venezuelan government should promptly adopt concrete measures to comply with an Inter-American Court order to protect Humberto Prado, a human rights defender who has been the target of multiple threats.
  • Venezuela: Opposition Leader Convicted for Criticizing Government
    Jul 14, 2011
    The conviction of Oswaldo Álvarez Paz for disseminating “false information” – on the basis of his criticism of the Chávez government – is a move against free speech in Venezuela. Venezuela should revoke its law that criminalizes disseminating “false information”.
  • Universal Periodic Review of Venezuela
    Mar 21, 2011
    President Hugo Chávez and his supporters have effectively neutralized the independence of Venezuela’s judiciary. In the absence of a judicial check on its actions, the Chávez government has systematically undermined freedom of expression and the ability of human rights groups to promote basic rights. It has also prosecuted government critics.
  • Venezuela: Judge Afiuni before the United Nations Human Rights Council
    Mar 8, 2011
    The decision to prosecute Judge Afiuni for upholding Venezuelan and international law is a blow to the rule of law in Venezuela.
  • Venezuela: Legislative Assault on Free Speech, Civil Society
    Dec 22, 2010
    Three laws just approved by the Venezuelan legislature pose serious threats to free speech and the work of civil society. Changes to the laws governing broadcast media were approved on December 20, 2010, by the National Assembly, in which allies of President Hugo Chávez have an absolute majority. The changes introduce sweeping restrictions on internet traffic, reinforce existing restrictions on radio and television content, and allow the government to terminate broadcasting licenses on arbitrary grounds. A law approved on December 22 would prohibit human rights groups from receiving foreign funding or fostering public dialogue in Venezuela with international advocacy groups.
  • Venezuela: End Harassment Campaign Against Human Rights Defender
    Aug 19, 2010
    Venezuela should end its apparent campaign of harassment against Carlos Correa, a human rights defender and director of the Venezuelan organization Espacio Público (Public Space).  Espacio Publico, which monitors human rights and freedom of expression, is the subject of a criminal investigation for having received international funding and is the subject of a harassment campaign by the country's public television station.  
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