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This was stated by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. A ‘climate of fear’ has set in in Venezuela since the June 28 elections, with continued “arbitrary” arrests and “disproportionate” use of force by Chavista authorities.

Turk expresses ‘deep concern’ over current crisis after officials speak out There have already been more than 2,400 arrests in the last two weeks. Among those arrested, as the UN recalls, are people associated with the opposition who condemned the election fraud.

The United Nations noted that some cases may even amount to enforced disappearances and regretted that some detainees were not given the opportunity to choose a lawyer or contact their families. Turk demanded judicial guarantees and “immediate” release any person who has been arbitrarily detained.

“It is particularly alarming that so many people have been arrested, charged or indicted for hate speech or terrorism offences. Criminal law should never be used to unduly restrict the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association,” Türk stressed on Tuesday.

On the other hand, he called eradicate “disproportionate” use of forcewhich he attributed not only to official organizations serving the government of Nicolás Maduro, but also to armed individuals sympathetic to the Chavista administration.

He also condemned violent actions against government officials and institutions and stressed that ““Violence is never the answer.”This is stated in a message published by his office.

“All deaths during the protests must be investigated and those responsible must be held accountable,” he said.

Added to the High Commissioner’s list of concerns is the possible adoption of a law criminalizing NGOs or other organizations allegedly aimed at prosecuting fascist innuendos, as he fears they could ultimately serve “undermine civil and democratic space” in a South American country.