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VENEZUELA - PROTESTS - VIOLENCE -
WOMEN & GIRLS
A woman with tape over her mouth in protest of officials
breaking up protesters' camps, stands outside the United Nations headquarters
in
_____________________________________________________
OFFICE OF THE UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR
HUMAN RIGHTS
VENEZUELA
May 9, 2014 - We are
concerned at renewed violence in Venezuela in the context of demonstrations
against the government. On Wednesday night and early Thursday, Venezuelan
troops rounded up more than 200 youth movement protesters who had been camping
peacefully outside the UNDP offices in Caracas and other parts of the city.
According to official figures, a total of 243 people were arrested. The
government has claimed that the camps were being used as bases for staging
violent protests, and that they had found molotov cocktails, arms and drugs
there.
The majority of those detained, who include 18 minors and one pregnant woman,
have reportedly been taken to Tiuna military premises. Lawyers and families
have complained about lack of information about the whereabouts of those
detained as well as lack of access to them.
Hundreds of other
demonstrators took to the streets to protest against the arrests of the youths
and the dismantling of the camps. Barricades were set up and roads blocked. A
policeman was shot dead and three others reportedly injured during clashes.
Protesters were also reportedly injured. Further arrests were reported
throughout Caracas yesterday evening.
We are also concerned at reports of violence and attacks -- usually started by
armed individuals -- in and around Venezuelan universities, which have been
taking place since the beginning of the week. The Library of the Fermin Toro
University in Barquisimeto was set on fire, and police used rubber bullets and
tear gas to disperse demonstrations inside and outside the premises of the
Catholic University in Puerto Ordaz.
We unequivocally condemn all violence by all sides in Venezuela. We are
particularly concerned at the reported excessive use of force by the authorities
in response to protests. We therefore reiterate the High Commissioner's call to
the Government to ensure that people are not penalised for exercising their
rights to peaceful assembly and to freedom of expression and for sustained and
inclusive, peaceful dialogue based on Venezuela's human rights obligations. The
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights remains available to support
efforts to this end.
_________________________________________________________
----- Original Message -----
From: WUNRN LISTSERVE
To: WUNRN ListServe
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2014 10:36 AM
Subject: Venezuela - Women March for Peace
WUNRN
VENEZUELA - WOMEN MARCH FOR PEACE
Women
from all backgrounds rally in Caracas from Plaza Morelo to el Calvario to
demand the end of violence in the country. A wave of violence and protests has
swept the country after students where arrested during a peaceful march in
Merida.
