Dear friends,
In the last few days it has become
clearer that the current government of Venezuela has no respect for the rule of
law, no respect for judicial independence, no respect for human rights and
freedom of expression, and is violating its own constitution again and again.
The government demands that military
officers pledge allegiance to the ruling party (Maduro and the Chavistas), and
civil protesters, mostly students, are being attacked with arms and tanks as if
there were a civil war in Venezuela. The
protesters are rightly protesting shortage of food, the outrageously high crime
rate (one of the highest in the world) with no consequences, and the high rate
of inflation (over 50% last year).
The brutality that is repressing
Venezuelans who protest is violating such basic human rights as freedom of
assembly, freedom of expression, due process, and the right to life.
The government has closed all
non-governmental press (including TV and radio) and is jailing any citizen who speaks
out. CNN has come in and out of the country. Journalists have had their
equipment stolen and been beaten up. More than 60 journalists have complained.
I reject the government actions and join my fellow
Venezuelans and the international artistic community in condemning the
atrocities occurring in Venezuela.
Thank you for bringing this to the attention of a wider community.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth. Your comment is very appreciated. Peace. Laury
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