The UN's top human rights official expressed concern Tuesday over arbitrary detentions and “disproportionate use of force” in Venezuela, as security forces crackdown following the country's disputed presidential election.
Forces loyal to President Nicolás Maduro have arrested more than 2,000 people for demonstrating against him or casting doubt on his claims that he won a third term in July 28 elections, despite strong evidence that he lost by more than two to one.
“It is deeply disturbing that so many people are being detained, accused or charged with incitement to hatred or under counterterrorism laws,” said UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani, reading a statement issued by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
“Criminal law should not be used to unduly restrict the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.”
Türk's comments come as Venezuela's opposition prepares for demonstrations on Saturday (August 17), which are expected to increase pressure on Maduro to admit defeat and negotiate a political transition.
The UN human rights office said that in the vast majority of cases it has documented, detainees were not allowed to appoint lawyers of their choice or have contact with their families.
“Some of these cases could be considered enforced disappearances,” he said.
Türk called for “the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained, and the guarantee of a fair trial for all detainees.” He added that “the disproportionate use of force by law enforcement officials and attacks on demonstrators by armed individuals supporting the government, some of which resulted in deaths, must not be repeated.”
Türk also noted reports of violence against public officials and public buildings by some demonstrators and said violence was not the answer.
On Monday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor said they were “actively monitoring” the situation in Venezuela. (ab/ns)
