Rights group implicates Venezuelan security forces in post-election protest killings

A global human rights watchdog on Wednesday implicated Venezuelan security forces and pro-government armed groups in killings that occurred during the protests that followed the country’s disputed July presidential election.

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Human Rights Watch, in a report detailing repressive measures the government unleashed after the vote, asserted that credible evidence gathered and analysed by researchers, forensic pathologists and arms experts ties Venezuela’s national guard and national police to some of the 24 killings that took place as people protested the outcome of the election.

The organisation also concluded that violent gangs aligned with the ruling party also “appear to be responsible” in some of the deaths.

Twenty-three of those killed were protesters or bystanders and one was a member of the Bolivarian National Guard.

Members of the National Guard riot squad throw tear gas canisters at Chacao neighbourhood in Caracas. Photo: AFP
Members of the National Guard riot squad throw tear gas canisters at Chacao neighbourhood in Caracas. Photo: AFP

  

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