Venezuelan human rights group PROVEA general coordinator, Carlos Correa says the Criminal Code reform bill, currently under discussion in Parliament, contains elements contrary to the international doctrine of human rights.

Correa highlights the figure of disrespect and vilification, which, he claims, hinders fluid debate.

Another aspect that grates, Correa contends, is the possibility of criminalizing protests and demonstrations ... "it reduces citizen expression ... the same happens with topics that deal with the media."

PROVEA has been monitoring 18 human rights contained in international agreements and Correa says the most important in this year's report is improvements in civil rights.

However, PROVEA states that in Venezuela there have been steps backwards in civil and political responsibilities and steps forward in economic, social and cultural rights.

"Freedom of expression is a fundamental right ... in fact, in some countries communicators are linked with the defense of the fundamental rights, so there must be free and plural communication."

Referring to the recently passed media content law, Correa says when channels of information are closed, HR organizations always find distinct mechanisms to tell people the facts.

Photography: Santiago Padilla