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CARACAS, Venezuela – The leader of Venezuela's Roman Catholic Church accused the government of President Hugo Chavez on Monday of using judges and prosecutors to punish political adversaries.
Cardinal Jorge Urosa said authorities are unfairly prosecuting Chavez opponents for simply criticizing the government.
Urosa said an increasing number of Chavez's foes are being "imprisoned for their opinion" and he urged Venezuelans to speak out against "any violation of human rights." Human rights groups already have expressed concerns that Chavez is becoming increasingly authoritarian and cracking down on dissent.
Chavez denies doing that. The president says he holds no sway over the justice system, but encourages authorities to uphold Venezuelan laws.
Meanwhile, a Venezuelan lawmaker said Monday he was being prosecuted for his outspoken criticism of Chavez and his family and appealed for international support. Wilmer Azuaje said charges that he struck a police official are politically motivated and that Chavez intends to keep him from running for re-election and to silence him.
Cardinal Jorge Urosa said authorities are unfairly prosecuting Chavez opponents for simply criticizing the government.
Urosa said an increasing number of Chavez's foes are being "imprisoned for their opinion" and he urged Venezuelans to speak out against "any violation of human rights." Human rights groups already have expressed concerns that Chavez is becoming increasingly authoritarian and cracking down on dissent.
Chavez denies doing that. The president says he holds no sway over the justice system, but encourages authorities to uphold Venezuelan laws.
Meanwhile, a Venezuelan lawmaker said Monday he was being prosecuted for his outspoken criticism of Chavez and his family and appealed for international support. Wilmer Azuaje said charges that he struck a police official are politically motivated and that Chavez intends to keep him from running for re-election and to silence him.