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Venezuela Law Against Hatred: 927 people charged since 2017
The NGO Foro Penal has reported that at least 927 people in Venezuela have been charged with incitement to hatred since the implementation of the Law Against Hatred in 2017. Of those charged, six individuals remain in custody and 638 are subject to precautionary measures. The law, which carries prison sentences of 10 to 20 years, has been widely criticized by human rights organizations and journalists as a tool for political persecution and censorship.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has requested that the National Assembly initiate a partial reform of the law, admitting that it has been “mal aplicada” (badly applied) and subject to “uso abusivo” (abusive use). While the government frames the reform as a step toward democratic coexistence and decriminalization, civil society organizations, including the National Union of Press Workers and the Democratic Popular Right, argue that the law is unconstitutional and should be repealed entirely rather than reformed. Critics contend that a mere reform would fail to address the law's illegitimate origins and would continue to allow for the criminalization of dissent and freedom of expression.
Entities
Delcy Rodríguez · Foro Penal · Gonzalo Himiob · Jorge Rodríguez · National Assembly of Venezuela · National Union of Press Workers · Venezuela
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The executive branch has requested a partial reform of the Law Against Hatred from the National Assembly. comunicacioncontinua.com · espiganoticias.net · alertas24.com · www.martinoticias.com · orinocotribune.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Law Against Hatred carries prison sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years. comunicacioncontinua.com · alertas24.com · laverdad.com · www.el-carabobeno.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Incitement to hatred charges are frequently applied alongside terrorism and criminal association charges. comunicacioncontinua.com · espiganoticias.net · laverdad.com · eltiempove.com · noticiasdeaqui.co
- [● 7 SOURCES] At least 927 people have been charged with incitement to hatred in Venezuela since the law's inception in 2017. comunicacioncontinua.com · espiganoticias.net · alertas24.com · www.martinoticias.com · laverdad.com · +2 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Deputy Jorge Arreaza acknowledged erratic application and abuses by security forces regarding the law. www.notitarde.com.ve · caraotadigital.net
- [● 9 SOURCES] Acting President Delcy Rodríguez admitted the Law Against Hatred was poorly applied and subject to abusive use. comunicacioncontinua.com · espiganoticias.net · alertas24.com · contrapodernews.com · www.martinoticias.com · +4 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The main opposition coalition, PUD, demands the immediate repeal of the law rather than a reform. www.el-carabobeno.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] Six individuals remain in prison and 638 are under precautionary measures related to hate speech charges. comunicacioncontinua.com · espiganoticias.net · alertas24.com · www.martinoticias.com · laverdad.com · +2 more