BTN News: In the wake of the controversial presidential elections held on Sunday, July 28, 2024, a group of important civil society organizations has called on Venezuelan authorities to avoid criminalizing protests. They urge the authorities to follow international rules on the use of force. Amnesty International (AI), the Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL), the International Commission of Jurists, and Freedom House are some of the groups making this appeal. They emphasize the need to respect the right to protest, which is essential in a democratic society.
The recent elections in Venezuela have faced serious allegations about their transparency and fairness. The Carter Center, one of the two international observer missions invited by Venezuela’s National Electoral Council, stated that the 2024 presidential election did not meet international standards. According to them, the election cannot be considered democratic. This statement has increased concerns about the situation in Venezuela after the election.
These organizations highlight that state authorities and public security forces must respect the right to protest. Protesting is a key part of democracies and has historically been a way for people to claim their rights. Protests also allow citizens to participate in important public matters. The organizations call on authorities to avoid using language that incites violence against people exercising their right to protest peacefully. They also urge authorities to stop stigmatizing civil society organizations.
Reports show that at least 11 people have died in Venezuela during these protests. There are claims that armed civilians linked to security forces have used lethal weapons. The coalition condemns the use of such weapons. They remind everyone that lethal force should never be used for crowd control. According to international rules, taking away the right to life in this context is arbitrary and can be considered an extrajudicial execution. These cases must be investigated quickly, independently, and fairly, with due diligence.
The situation in Venezuela continues to attract international attention. There are strong calls for the Venezuelan government to respect human rights and democratic principles. The right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental part of democratic societies. Respecting this right is crucial for the legitimacy of any government. As Venezuela deals with the aftermath of a highly disputed election, the international community remains watchful. They urge Venezuelan authorities to ensure that the basic rights of its citizens are protected.
