Current:Home > NewsUN rights experts report a rise of efforts in Venezuela to squelch democracy ahead of 2024 election-LoTradeCoin
UN rights experts report a rise of efforts in Venezuela to squelch democracy ahead of 2024 election
View Date:2024-12-23 23:06:55
GENEVA (AP) — Venezuela’s government has intensified efforts to curtail democratic freedoms with use of threats, surveillance and harassment as President Nicolás Maduro faces a re-election contest next year, U.N.-backed human rights experts reported on Wednesday.
An international fact-finding mission authorized by the Human Rights Council notes that violent repression between 2017 and 2019 eased after the coronavirus pandemic broke out the following year. That coincided with a drop in huge protests against the government. A report by the mission three years ago decried “crimes against humanity” in Maduro’s Venezuela.
In the run-up to the 2024 presidential election, the experts warned that political interference has been on the rise. They noted that three candidates running for the opposition’s Unitary Platform — Henrique Capriles, Maria Corina Machado and Freddy Superlano — were banned from taking part. Other prominent figures have already been blocked from holding political office.
Hoping to “silence, discourage and stifle” any opposition, authorities have curtailed freedoms and tightened restrictions on the work by rights defenders, advocacy groups, labor unions, the media and political parties, the experts said.
“By criminalizing participation in legitimate activities, the state is silencing and creating a chilling effect on anyone who might consider participating in any activity that could be perceived as critical of the government,” said Patricia Tappata Valdez, one of the mission members.
She said a lack of independence of the judicial and electoral authorities “suffocate and suppress political debate.”
Opposition factions have been organizing a political primary despite constraints in the electoral system that independent observers say gives Maduro’s socialist party the upper hand.
The campaign comes at a time of economic crisis and runaway inflation in Venezuela that have pushed 7.3 million people to flee abroad.
The mission’s latest report, based on interviews and talks with nearly 300 people, covers a period from January 2020 through last month. They bemoaned a lack of cooperation from Venezuelan authorities.
veryGood! (541)
Related
- Kentucky gets early signature win at Champions Classic against Duke | Opinion
- FBI lays out detailed case against Florida man accused in wife’s disappearance in Spain
- Bridgerton's Phoebe Dynevor Engaged to Cameron Fuller: See Her Debut Ring at Met Gala
- 'Why is it so hard to make it in America?' Here's the true cost of the American Dream
- Shawn Mendes quest for self-discovery is a quiet triumph: Best songs on 'Shawn' album
- Why Rihanna, Jared Leto, Billy Porter, Ben Affleck and More Stars Skipped the 2024 Met Gala
- A doctor whose views on COVID-19 vaccinations drew complaints has her medical license reinstated
- The Kardashians at the Met Gala: Check out the reality-TV family's 'Sleeping Beauties' looks
- Horoscopes Today, November 10, 2024
- Planters nuts sold in 5 states recalled due to listeria fears
Ranking
- See Chris Evans' Wife Alba Baptista Show Her Sweet Support at Red One Premiere
- Pope Francis appoints new bishop in Tennessee after former bishop’s resignation under pressure
- David Corenswet's Superman revealed in James Gunn reboot first look
- Sen. Bernie Sanders, 82, announces he will run for reelection
- Glen Powell Addresses Rumor He’ll Replace Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible Franchise
- Why Ben Affleck Was Not at the 2024 Met Gala With Jennifer Lopez
- Colorado coach Deion Sanders explains social media remarks: 'I was bored'
- Woman in Minnesota accused in the deaths of 2 children
Recommendation
-
Suspect arrested after deadly Tuskegee University homecoming shooting
-
2024 Pulitzer Prizes announced: See full list of winners, nominees
-
Demi Moore stuns at the Met Gala in gown made out of vintage wallpaper
-
A doctor whose views on COVID-19 vaccinations drew complaints has her medical license reinstated
-
Pentagon secrets leaker Jack Teixeira set to be sentenced, could get up to 17 years in prison
-
Tom Holland Shares Photo of Golf Injury While Zendaya Co-Chairs 2024 Met Gala
-
Cardi B and Offset Reunite at 2024 Met Gala After-Party Months After They Confirmed Their Latest Breakup
-
Your Jaw Will Drop Seeing Tyla Get Cut Out of Her Dress at 2024 Met Gala