UN rights chief condemns deadly violence in Venezuela

By Erdogan Cagatay Zontur

ANKARA (AA) - UN human rights chief on Friday condemned deadly violence rocking the Venezuela streets during the ongoing anti-government protests.

“Any violent incident resulting in death or injury should be subject to an independent and impartial investigation to find out whether there was excessive use of force by the authorities, or if crimes have been committed by members of armed groups, whether pro-government or otherwise,” Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement.

According to the UN statement, alleged shootings by security forces or members of pro-government armed groups left at least 20 people reportedly dead during the Venezuela demonstrations on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Many others were reported injured by bullets, buckshot and rubber bullets, it added.

Bachelet urged dialogue on political leaders of Venezuela for a “long-term solution to social, political and economical crisis” in the country.

Also noting the detention of 350 protesters, she called on Venezuelan authorities and the security forces to “respect fundamental right of everybody to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression”.

"Excessive, disproportionate or indiscriminate use of force is clearly and unequivocally prohibited under international law."

The top UN rights official stressed that it is the duty of country leaders to end the “disastrous situation” in Venezuela, marking more than three million citizens having fled the country.

- What happens in Venezuela?

Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10 when President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycott by the opposition.

On Wednesday, Juan Guaido, leader of Venezuela’s opposition-led National Assembly, declared himself acting president.

U.S. President Donald Trump recognized self-proclaimed Guaido as the interim president of the country.

Maduro quickly shot back, cutting off diplomatic relations with the U.S. and giving U.S. diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

He has repeatedly lashed out at the U.S., saying Washington is waging an economic war against him and his government amid a sweeping sanctions campaign.

Brazil and the Organization of American States recognized Guaido as Venezuela's leader prior to his formal announcement. Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama and Paraguay have followed suit while Bolivia and Mexico continue to recognize Maduro.

Several South American countries, Russia and Turkey have also expressed solidarity with Maduro.