Defend Free Speech in Venezuela
Write a Letter to Free Oswaldo Álvarez Paz
President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has a long history of abusing his power to suppress political dissent. He has taken over the nation’s media outlets, forcing them to broadcast his speeches and limiting the speech of his opponents. Now he has moved to outright imprisonment for those who dare to speak against the government.
Oswaldo Álvarez Paz is a outspoken advocate of democracy in Venezuela who has been jailed by the Chavez regime for speaking out against the government. He was arrested on March 22nd for his remarks on a television talk show acknowledging the fact that Venezuela has become a haven for drug trafficking.
You can help by writing an email or letter to the Organization of American States, the organization that represents all the governments of the American Continent. The OAS has the ability to exert pressure on Venezuela to respect human rights, but politicians and diplomats will not take action against Chavez's oppressive regime unless they know the people of their country fervently support free speech for all people.
Use the following information to send an email or physical letter to the OAS.
PLEASE WRITE in Spanish or in English to:
Email:
[email protected]
Physical Letter:
200 17th St NW
Washington, DC 20006
Here is the sample text you can use
José Miguel Insulza
Secretary General
The Organization of American States
200 17th St NW
Washington, DC 20006
Dear Secretary General,
It has come to my understanding that Oswaldo Alvarez Paz has been arrested by the government of Venezuela for his remarks on a television talk show acknowledging the fact that Venezuela has become a haven for drug trafficking. Freedom of speech, particularly that of questioning one's government, is an essential component of basic human rights It is inadmissible that the claims presented by Oswaldo Alvarez Paz, exercising his own individual rights, be the reason for his imprisonment and continued persecution. The Human Rights Foundation has declared Oswaldo Álvarez Paz to be a “prisoner of conscience” under the Chavez regime.
In view of the above, I write to express solidarity and support to Dr. Alvarez Paz and demand from the Venezuelan government that:
Sincerely,
Oswaldo Álvarez Paz is a outspoken advocate of democracy in Venezuela who has been jailed by the Chavez regime for speaking out against the government. He was arrested on March 22nd for his remarks on a television talk show acknowledging the fact that Venezuela has become a haven for drug trafficking.
You can help by writing an email or letter to the Organization of American States, the organization that represents all the governments of the American Continent. The OAS has the ability to exert pressure on Venezuela to respect human rights, but politicians and diplomats will not take action against Chavez's oppressive regime unless they know the people of their country fervently support free speech for all people.
Use the following information to send an email or physical letter to the OAS.
PLEASE WRITE in Spanish or in English to:
Email:
[email protected]
Physical Letter:
200 17th St NW
Washington, DC 20006
Here is the sample text you can use
José Miguel Insulza
Secretary General
The Organization of American States
200 17th St NW
Washington, DC 20006
Dear Secretary General,
It has come to my understanding that Oswaldo Alvarez Paz has been arrested by the government of Venezuela for his remarks on a television talk show acknowledging the fact that Venezuela has become a haven for drug trafficking. Freedom of speech, particularly that of questioning one's government, is an essential component of basic human rights It is inadmissible that the claims presented by Oswaldo Alvarez Paz, exercising his own individual rights, be the reason for his imprisonment and continued persecution. The Human Rights Foundation has declared Oswaldo Álvarez Paz to be a “prisoner of conscience” under the Chavez regime.
In view of the above, I write to express solidarity and support to Dr. Alvarez Paz and demand from the Venezuelan government that:
- Oswaldo Álvarez Paz be brought to trial in accordance with internationally recognized standards, or else that he be released immediately.
- All charges against Oswaldo Álvarez Paz which are not related to legitimate criminal offenses be dropped immediately.
Sincerely,
