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Venezuela: Journalists and NGOs reject Hate Law reform
The National Association of Journalists (CNP) and various human rights organizations have rejected a proposed reform of Venezuela’s Hate Law, arguing that the changes represent a “mutation of punishment” rather than an advancement of freedom.
The reform, proposed by the National Assembly, seeks to replace prison sentences of 10 to 20 years with heavy administrative fines. These fines would be calculated in bolívares, equivalent to between 500 and 10,000 times the exchange rate of the highest-valued currency set by the Central Bank of Venezuela.
Critics, including the NGO Acceso a la Justicia and Foro Penal, warn that the law remains punitive. They note that while prison terms are removed, the new fines are disproportionate and could lead to economic asphyxiation and self-censorship. Additionally, the Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace would be responsible for determining fine amounts based on factors such as intent and reach.
Foro Penal reported that approximately 927 people have been charged with “incitement to hatred” since the law was enacted in 2017. Organizations like Espacio Público argue that the reform maintains mechanisms used to criminalize political opposition, activists, and journalists.
Entities
Acceso a la Justicia · Delcy Rodríguez · Espacio Público · Foro Penal · National Assembly of Venezuela · National Association of Journalists · Venezuela
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Fines will range from 500 to 10,000 times the exchange rate of the highest-valued currency set by the BCV. comunicacioncontinua.com · maturinnews.com · primicia.com.ve
- [● 2 SOURCES] The reform proposes replacing 10 to 20 year prison sentences with fines. comunicacioncontinua.com · primicia.com.ve
- [● 2 SOURCES] Espacio Público claims the reform maintains censorship despite removing jail time. comunicacioncontinua.com · maturinnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace will determine fine amounts. comunicacioncontinua.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The National Association of Journalists (CNP) rejects the Hate Law reform. comunicacioncontinua.com · primicia.com.ve
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 927 people have been charged with incitement to hatred since 2017. maturinnews.com