AI INDEX: AMR 53/013/2002 9 August 2002 |
AMNESTY
INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: AMR 53/013/2002 (Public)
News Service No: 140
9 August 2002
The Metropolitan Police response to the renewed
outbreak of political violence which followed a
controversial Supreme Court ruling in Venezuela
may have breached international human rights
standards and must be investigated promptly and
independently, Amnesty International said today.
Nine people were injured - the majority with
gunshot wounds - in violent disturbances in
Caracas after the Supreme Court decided not to put
on trial four military officers accused of
orchestrating an uprising against President Hugo
Chávez in April this year. Pro-Chávez protesters
clashed with police outside the court, which was
protected by members of the metropolitan police
and troops backed by armoured vehicles and at
least one tank. Three policemen were also
reportedly wounded. More violent incidents have
taken place in the past two weeks, with at least
18 civilians -- including children -- wounded in
clashes with police on 31 July.
Amnesty International is calling for all law
enforcement officials to abide by international
standards on the use of force and firearms when
policing demonstrations and maintaining public
order. The organization is also urging the
authorities to ensure full respect of the rights
of any persons detained in connection with the
disturbances.
"Human rights cannot -- and must not -- be
disregarded even in times of political
polarization and crisis," Amnesty International
stressed.
Background
In April 2002, Amnesty International called for an
investigation into the human rights violations --
including the deaths of 11 civilians -- during the
uprising against the government of President
Chávez.
Amnesty International is calling on both
government supporters and opponents to ensure that
respect for human rights and the rule of law are
central to all attempts to resolve the deepening
political crisis.