Venezuela needs to better protect judicial independence in the current period of instability, a special rapporteur with the UN human rights office said in a statement out Friday
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 08th February, 2019) Venezuela needs to better protect judicial independence in the current period of instability, a special rapporteur with the UN human rights office said in a statement out Friday."I urge all State institutions to respect, promote and guarantee the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, so it can carry out its duties in a safe environment," Diego Garcia-Sayan said.
The special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers warned that lack of prosecutors and magistrates and short-term appointments, made under the current circumstances, seriously undermined Venezuela's judicial system.
He expressed concern about impartiality of the travel ban and asset freeze imposed on opposition leader Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president of Venezuela in January.
"The evidence suggests that the measures against Mr. Guaido have not been adopted in accordance with constitutional requirements," the expert stressed.
Russia, China and Turkey, among others, continue to support President Nicolas Maduro as the legitimate leader of Venezuela and have refused to recognize US-backed Guaido. Maduro has accused the United States of fomenting a coup.
