Ban voices concern over reported violence in Venezuela, calls for dialogue

In a statement, Ban's spokesperson said the Secretary-General had taken note of the Government's stated willingness to undertake a full investigation. According to media reports a 14-year old boy was shot during a protest in the western city of San Cristóbal. In addition, the spokesperson added, Ban had also taken note of the call by the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States for “the building of a democratic space for dialogue in Venezuela.” In October 2014, opposition leader Leopoldo López and more than 69 other people were arrested following mass public protests throughout the country, prompting the condemnation of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein. More…