The independence of the judiciary in Venezuela is considerably weakened, contributing to impunity and the persistence of human rights violations, according to a report released Tuesday by the UN.
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The publication of the report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights comes a week after the Supreme Court of Venezuela, considered to be acquired by President Nicolas Maduro, suspended all party leadership from the leader of the opposition Juan Guaido and handed over control to one of his rivals.
The UN report was requested last September by the Human Rights Council in Geneva, to which it will be presented on Wednesday. He calls on Caracas to carry out the reforms of the judicial system announced in January in order to guarantee in particular " its independence, its impartiality and its transparency ".
In its report, the Office of the High Commissioner observes that " the independence of the (Venezuelan) judicial system is considerably weakened " for various reasons. He cites " the insecurity of the mandate of judges and prosecutors, the lack of transparency in the appointment process, the precariousness of working conditions and political interference, in particular the links of members of the Supreme Court with the government and the party in power ”. The report notes in particular the " political pressure " exerted on judges, notably in the form of the threat of dismissal.
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This situation, writes the High Commissioner, " prevents the judiciary from exercising its key role as an independent actor in the protection of human rights, and contributes to impunity and the persistence of violations of these rights ".