Venezuela: Day of violence highlights government’s disregard for human rights

The spike in illegal use of force, scores of arbitrary detentions, and the killing of at least 10 people, among other worrying attacks against the people of Venezuela recorded this weekend, confirm a consistent pattern of deteriorating human rights in the country, said Amnesty International.

“President Maduro and his government appear to be living in a parallel universe,” said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International.

President Maduro and his government appear to be living in a parallel universe

Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International

“The authorities cannot continue to ignore the tension and violence that took place yesterday, and should respond to the urgent needs of the entire population, including those who do not agree with the government.”

“The lethal use of force in Venezuela must stop immediately. The authorities must carry out impartial investigations into all acts of violence, regardless of who is responsible, and bring them before civil courts. Immediate action must be taken to put an end to arbitrary detentions, killings and all other serious human rights violations.”

The lethal use of force in Venezuela must stop immediately. The authorities must carry out impartial investigations into all acts of violence, regardless of who is responsible, and bring them before civil courts. Immediate action must be taken to put an end to arbitrary detentions, killings and all other serious human rights violations

Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International

Illegal use of force has dramatically increased in the country. According to the Venezuelan Attorney General’s Office, on the dayof the elections for the National Constituent Assembly in Venezuela at least 10 people died, including teenagers.

Indiscriminate attacks against the public have also been reported, including shootings and firing of tear gas against residential areas and near hospitals, in addition to scores of people injured by military and police forces and armed civilian groups.