Venezuelan government accused of threatening human rights

With the passage of time, the exercise and enjoyment of human rights in Venezuela has been but lessened by the performance of the government of President Hugo Chávez.

Human Rights Watch made the statement in its latest report on the status of fundamental rights and liberties in Venezuela, entitled "Tightening the grip: Concentration and abuse of power in Chávez's Venezuela."

Based on the report, steps such as the reshuffle in 2010 of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) or the last Enabling Law granting the president special rulemaking powers, have seriously damaged Venezuelans' right to dissent and express themselves.

"For years, President Chávez and his followers have been building a system in which the government has free rein to threaten and punish Venezuelans who interfere with their political agenda," said José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch.

"Today that system is firmly entrenched, and the risks for judges, journalists, and rights defenders are greater than they've ever been under Chávez," he added.