WASHINGTON.- The High Commissioner of the HIM for Human Rights, Volker Turkrequested the authorities of Venezuela to respect and protect the right of citizens to peacefully protest. This call comes amid growing reports of excessive use of force by security forces and violence by pro-government armed groups, known as colectivos.
Turk expressed his “alarm” at these reports, stressing the importance of citizens being able to express their opinions without fear of reprisals. “It is essential that the right to peaceful protest is guaranteed and that force is not used disproportionately against protesters,” he said in an official statement.
The High Commissioner’s concern is heightened by the violence that followed last Sunday’s elections, in which hundreds of people, including minors, were arrested. “Those responsible for human rights violations must be brought to justice,” Turk said.
In addition, the High Commissioner joined the UN Secretary-General’s call for the electoral controversy in Venezuela to be resolved peacefully and with full transparency. This includes the detailed publication of the electoral results by constituency, a measure considered vital to guarantee confidence in the democratic process.
Venezuela’s elections, which took place on Sunday, have been the subject of both national and international scrutiny. The regime has claimed that dictator Nicolás Maduro won with 51% of the vote, although the full official results have not yet been published. This has raised questions about the legitimacy of the process, with the opposition claiming that its candidate, Edmundo González, won more than 70% of the vote.
The international community has expressed its concern about the situation in Venezuela, urging the Maduro regime to act with transparency and respect the fundamental rights of its citizens.
Source: With information from Europa Press
