The law that aims to control Venezuelan NGOs creates a gag order for those who denounce the irregularities of the regime

The law that aims to control Venezuelan NGOs creates a gag order for those who denounce the irregularities of the regime. (AP)

26 Venezuelan NGOs claimed that law Project which aims to monitor the performance and funding of non-governmental organizations, recently approved by the chavista parliament constitutes a biting which will apply to institutions that indicate irregularities” of state officials.

“It is a vulgar gag, applicable to organizations that report irregularities or abusive procedures by state officials or agencies.“, they underlined in a press release published by the NGO provide on its webpage.

They also said that the bill, which must go through a second debate, promotes an “intimidating framework, which favors the submission of civil organizations to the whims and demands of a government appointed by a large part of the international democratic community to exercise de facto the functions of the national executive.

“Many of the existing NGOs in Venezuela carry out humanitarian work that is recognized, appreciated and thanked by vulnerable sectors of society. They cover spaces neglected by the authorities who, in theory, should take care of such tasks,” they added.

The organizations indicated that the chavista regimeinstead of creating instruments favoring the “intimidation and intervention” of NGOs, “could stimulate these forms of social solidarity, of working together for the well-being” of society.

The initial draft law that regulates NGOs, shared by some legislators, envisages fines up to $12,000 groups that do not register with the controlling entity they plan to create and do not declare the identity and origin of donations.

The bill, which must go through a second debate, promotes an “intimidating framework, which favors the submission of civil organizations to the whims and demands of a government appointed by a large part of the international democratic community to exercise de facto the national executive functions.

On January 28, in his final statement after an official visit to Venezuela, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (Acnudh), Volker Türk, He asked the Venezuelan dictatorship to establish a “broad consultation process” on this project.

The Chavista leader and first vice-president of the government party, god gave hairannounced before the National Assembly appointed by Maduro the bill for the control, regularization of the action and financing of the organization and financing of non-governmental and related organizations, which aims, among other aspects, to persecute NGOs that are not linked to the regime.

The Chavista leader sanctioned by the United States for drug trafficking has pointed out that he has identified 62 civil organizations. “They operate for absolutely political purposes and receive funding from other nations,” Cabello said.

The bill, which would legalize NGOs, recalls the persecution carried out by the regime of Daniel Ortega which has banned dozens of civil organizations in this Central American country.

The Chavista leader sanctioned by the United States for drug trafficking said he had identified 62 civil organizations. “They operate for absolutely political purposes and receive funding from other nations,” Cabello said. (Reuters)

During his speech, Cabello mentioned NGOs Súmate, Futuro Presente, Provea, the Fermín Toro Parliamentary Institute and the More Citizens Foundation of the Andrés Bello Catholic University (UCAB), reported website We monitor.

The draft law stipulates in its article 15: “It will be prohibited for non-governmental organizations throughout the national territory: 1. To receive contributions intended for organizations for political purposes; 2. Carry out political activities; 3. Promote or permit actions that threaten national stability and the institutions of the Republic; 4. Any other act prohibited by Venezuelan law”.