June 4 As the Organization of American States gathers in Lima, Peru, this Sunday for its 40th General Assembly, it does so under the cloud of the continued erosion of civil liberties in Venezuela. Earlier this year, a report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) expressed profound concern over the authoritarianism creeping into Venezuelan democracy. The report stated that “in Venezuela one of the basic pillars of democracy, the right to equality and…
May 28: New report confirms over 760 expropriations in Venezuela. A report released by a Venezuelan civil leadership group shows the Chávez government has expropriated 762 companies between 2005 and 2009. Last year alone, 374 expropriation cases were documented. The report confirms a disturbing trend of increased government hostility towards the private sector in Venezuela. May 21: New Documents, Witness Testimony Shine Light on Chávez’s Ties to Terrorist Groups. Newly uncovered documents and witness testimony reveal…
June 2 Last week, 20,000 metric tons of rotten food was found at a seaport in Puerto Cabello, located 150 kilometers outside of Caracas. Among the food going to waste was rice, flour, milk, sugar, and cooking oil. Today, President Chávez order those responsible arrested and charged. “Debacles like this cannot be forgiven,” Chávez said during a televised speech. “Justice must come into play with a well-sharpened sword.” Chávez’s comments came after Venezuela’s Attorney General…