Venezuela: Human Rights Under Threat
News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty International
AI INDEX: AMR 53/008/2004
12 May 2004
Venezuela: Human rights under threat
All parties involved in the political conflict in Venezuela must show real commitment to respecting the rule of law if
they are to break the violence cycle. In a new report launched today, Amnesty International highlights cases of
excessive use of force, torture and ill-treatment committed by security forces in the context of demonstrations that
took place between February and March 2004 and raises serious questions about the commitment of key institutions to
prevent and punish such abuses impartially. (View the full report online at
http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maace3faa6No6bb0hPub/ )
At least 14 people died in these demonstrations in circumstances that have yet to be clarified. As many as 200 were
wounded. Several of those detained were severely ill-treated or tortured by members of the security forces.
"Many demonstrations were violent with the use of barricades, stones, Molotov cocktails and in some cases, firearms,"
said Amnesty International. "However, the response of the security forces frequently involved excessive use of force,
contributing to spiralling violence rather than preventing or controlling it."
Subsequent investigations to establish the facts around these alleged abuses have been slow and inadequate. "There are
serious questions about the commitment of key institutions to investigate and prevent human rights abuses impartially.
Failure to ensure that these institutions carry out their duties effectively and impartially will weaken the fragile
rule of law and fuel Venezuela's political crisis," added the human rights organization.
In recent decades, there have been repeated incidents of human rights violations and impunity in Venezuela in the
context of mass civil disturbances.
"Many of the weaknesses in security, police and judicial institutions predate the present administration and crisis.
However, their lack of impartiality threatens to strengthen the culture of impunity that has accompanied human rights
abuses for many years in Venezuela", said Amnesty International.
With the political crisis still unresolved, the potential for future violent clashes and human rights violations is all
too high, so its vital that both government, opposition and their respective supporters do not encourage human rights
abuses or undermine the rule of law, and clearly restrict themselves to their right to peaceful demonstrations and
assembly.
"Key institutions such as the Police, National Guard, Attorney General's Office, Judiciary and Human Rights Ombudsman's
Office have to impartially uphold the rule of law, only then will Venezuela be able to construct a society where the
rights of all are protected", concluded Amnesty International.
Background Information
Violence erupted at the end of February 2004 when the opposition supporters began widespread protests at the decision of
the Consejo Nacional Electoral (National Electoral Council) not to recognize the validity of signatures on a petition
gathered by the opposition to trigger a recall referendum against President Chavez. At least 14 people were killed, in
circumstances that have yet to be clarified, during 6 days of demonstrations involving pro- and anti-government
protestors. As many as 200 people were wounded. More than 500 detentions were made and several of those detained were
severely ill-treated or tortured by members of the security forces.
For a full copy of the report "Venezuela: Human rights under threat", please see:
http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maace3faa6No6bb0hPub/
For more information on AI recommendations to the Venezuelan authorities, please see "Venezuela: A human rights agenda
for the current crisis", http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maace3faa6No7bb0hPub/
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