Venezuela authorizes use of force against demonstrators

Venezuelan authorities on Friday passed new regulations that will allow soldiers to use deadly force against demonstrators if they feel that their lives are at risk. These regulations were passed [BBC news report] after a span of violent protests last year, as an attempt to maintain order in the country. The Venezuelan ombudsman, Tarek Williams Saab, characterized the regulations as "clear on the progressive and differentiated use of force." However, civil rights groups see the regulations in a more negative light. A representative of the National Workers Union contends that the regulations pose "a direct threat to the working class," as the protests in the past year were staged in large part by workers. Other rights groups believe the regulations are unconstitutional, as the Venezuelan Constitution expressly prohibits the use of firearms to control public demonstrations. More…