In Venezuela they are promoting an anti-fascist law with prison sentences

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The Venezuelan parliament, with a pro-government majority, on Tuesday approved in its first debate a draft law against “fascism,” a term government officials often use to refer to opponents, which provides for prison sentences of up to 12 years and high fines.

The “Law against Fascism, Neofascism and Similar Expressions” was introduced before the unicameral National Assembly by Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, after being proposed on March 24 by President Nicolas Maduro, who will seek a third consecutive term in elections scheduled for July 28. .

The law, which consists of 30 articles, aims “to establish means and mechanisms to maintain peaceful coexistence and public tranquility,” as well as “to protect Venezuelan society from the emergence of any expression of a fascist, neo-fascist, or similar nature.” “, according to the text.

The document states in its article 22 that “Any person who requests, invokes, encourages or carries out acts of violence as a means or means for exercising political rights shall be punished with imprisonment for a period ranging from eight to twelve years and disqualification from political capacity for the duration of the sentence.” “.

“Publishing prohibited messages” via radio or television will be punished by cancellation of the privilege, while fines will be imposed on “electronic or print media” ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 “twice the highest exchange rate published by the Central Bank.” , equivalent to up to $100,000.

In addition, meetings or demonstrations are prohibited, as are “political organizations” where there is believed to be an “apology” for fascism.

When presenting the text that was approved in the first discussion by a qualified majority, Rodriguez said, “This anti-fascist law seeks to complete the political parties law, but it also seeks to complete and develop (…) the hate law.” “

Human rights activists considered that this law, which will undergo a second discussion before its final approval, entails more “repression,” because it “aggresses on the right to demonstrate and public gatherings,” as human rights defender Marino Alvarado pointed out.

In 2017, amid protests that left more than 120 dead and 1,958 injured, Maduro proposed the “Anti-Hatred, Peaceful Coexistence and Tolerance Law,” which would punish those accused of “promoting or promoting” with up to 20 years in prison. “.

At the same time, the opposition denounces that this law, which prohibits the formation of political parties and social organizations accused of “spreading hatred and intolerance,” punishes political opponents.

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