NAN-F-46
Protest
Caracas, April 11, 2017 (dpa/NAN) The UN Human Rights Commission on Tuesday called for pace in Venezuela after days of violent clashes between Venezuelan police and anti-government protesters.
“We call on the Venezuelan Government to ensure that the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and opinion are guaranteed; call on all people in Venezuela to use peaceful means to make them heard.
“We also call on security forces to operate in accordance with international human rights standards for the management of assemblies.
“We urge all parties to renounce violence”, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson Elizabeth Throssell said.
The UN body called for a “prompt and impartial” investigation into the death of protester Jairo Ortiz, 19, who prosecutors said was shot dead by a police officer.
In recent days, hundreds of people have been reported injured in clashes with police during anti-government protests in Caracas.
Demonstrators have hurled stones at police, who in turn have fired tear gas and rubber bullets into crowds.
Demonstrators are demanding new elections and the release of political prisoners.
President Nicolas Maduro accuses the opposition of inciting violence in a conspiracy against his socialist government. (dpa/NAN)
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Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Idahosa Asowata