OAS rights commission raises concerns over political violence in Venezuela

OAS commission urges calm amid Venezuela protests

CARACAS, Venezuela — The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights raised concerns Tuesday over clashes between supporters and opponents of President Hugo Chavez that have killed two people and injured dozens more.

The commission urged authorities to avoid using excessive force against the street demonstrations that began last week, when university students protested against Chavez’s government for pressuring cable and satellite television providers to drop an opposition-aligned channel.

Pro-Chavez students have staged counter demonstrations, and rival groups have clashed on several occasions, prompting police to intervene.

Echoing concerns expressed by Venezuelan rights groups, the Washington-based commission reminded Chavez’s administration of its “duty to control demonstrations within the framework of respect for Inter-American human rights standards.”

It urged authorities to hold talks with opposition students, who charge that police have fired tear gas and plastic bullets to disperse peaceful protests. They also say authorities have done little to protect them from attacks by government supporters.

Authorities deny any wrongdoing, arguing that police have merely broken up demonstrations that turned violent.

Chavez has accused demonstrators of trying to stir up violence — a charge they deny — and he urged his supporters to keep holding counter protests.

“I call you all to the streets,” the president said in a televised address. “We will continue defeating them on every battlefield.”