The networks of organizations demand the immediate cessation of arbitrary arrests and repression against protesters, activists, journalists, press workers and human rights defenders and the release of those detained
Through a joint statement, the NGOs urged the authorities to stop detaining those who exercise their rights and to guarantee that all those arrested in the post-election context have the right to a fair trial; which entails access to their families, private defense and information about the legal, physical, psychological and emotional situation of the detainees.
“It is essential that family members know the procedures that are being carried out for the appointment of trusted legal representation, and so that they are given effective and complete access to the judicial files,” the statement insists and adds that it is also imperative to know the location. of prisoners, know the detention centers and notify transfers in a timely manner. «This is vital to prevent further violations of human rights,” the organizations emphasize.
Likewise, they add that information on the quality and regularity of food, the state of the cells and the availability of adequate beds, mattresses and pillows, as well as personal hygiene and access to sanitary facilities, must be accessible.
Other demands that Regional Alliance for Free Expression and Information and Civicus make the Venezuelan State access to medical treatments in a transparent manner, with trusted doctors, especially for those who have pre-existing health or mental problems. «It is also crucial to have clear, known and effective processes to prevent, report and punish torture and mistreatment, as well as keep a record of cases reported in state custody,” they recall.
These organizations urge the authorities to make available to families and trusted defense information on the number of people deprived of liberty by age group, national origin, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability and any other relevant condition that could affect the guarantee of rights to allow accountability for the exact number of detainees, their differentiated characteristics “in order to make visible possible gaps or discrimination that could aggravate their situation.”
«The networks of organizations demand the immediate cessation of arbitrary arrests and repression against protesters, activists, journalists, press workers and human rights defenders. They also urge the consolidation of effective guarantees for civic space, which includes access to information. while a right in itself and as a means to consolidate other guarantees, such as the right to a fair trial and due process,” the statement adds.
According to the Venezuelan authorities, after the electoral protests there were more than two thousand detainees although the organizations defending political prisoners were able to confirm close to 1,900, being the highest number of prisoners so far in the 21st century.
The NGO Regional Alliance for Free Expression and Information is a network created in 2006, made up of 17 leading non-governmental organizations from 15 countries in the Americas, which share the conviction that freedom of expression and access to public information are essential for guarantee the quality of democracy and an enabling environment for the enjoyment of other rights.
Civicus is a global alliance of civil society organizations and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society around the world. It was created in 1993 and has more than 17,000 members in around 175 countries.
Post Views: 103
