Amnesty International

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Since the beginning of February, 2014, ongoing clashes in Venezuela between anti-government opposition and government security forces has resulted in several dozen deaths and hundreds of injuries. Amnesty International believes that the government and the opposition must immediately commit to respect fundamental human rights.

Violent clashes continue throughout the country and according official sources, the death toll has reached 31 people, including six members of the security forces. Over 400 have been injured, more than 140 of whom are members of the security forces, and almost 1,700 have been detained, including 15 members of the security forces. However, most people arrested have been conditionally released pending investigations. Protests continue to escalate between the police and demonstrators, most of whom are students. The conflicts include the use of firearms and tear gas, and are claiming more and more victims.

According to official sources already in Venezuela due to violent clashes killed 31 people, more than 460 were injured. The victims are mostly civilians supporting the government and opposition . Died and six members of the security forces. Police detained more than 1,700 people, most of them already but again dismissed . Venezuela is divided into two camps , protests were still escalating and require more victims . The police during clashes with demonstrators , which largely consists of students, using firearms and tear gas .

“In such a polarized political context the bloodshed will only continue unless the government and its supporters, as well as the various political opposition groups commit to fully respecting human rights,” said Guadalupe Marengo, Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Americas Programme. “Specifically, all parties should roundly condemn any acts of violence against political opponents. The authorities must do their utmost to prevent these attacks and to ensure that anyone responsible for such acts is brought to justice. We urge President Maduro to uphold the rule of law and ensure that any extraordinary measures he adopts respect the human rights of all in Venezuela, without discrimination. It will take a concerted effort from all sides to work together on a peaceful resolution to Venezuela’s current dangerous climate of civil unrest. The only fair and lasting solution to the country’s political crisis will be one that fully respects human rights, starting with the rights to life and to physical integrity.”