NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned the Venezuelan government's policies to control the independent media and to subdue the judiciary power in order to silence opposition.

During the presentation of its World Report 2012, Emma Daly, the Communications Director at Human Rights Watch, complained that Venezuelan media are "vulnerable" and judiciary authorities "support" government interests.

Although there are elections in Venezuela, "democracy requires not only free elections but also to underpin the rule of law and create institutions that can strengthen democracy," Daly told Efe.

The HRW officer also said that Hugo Chávez's administration has attacked independent media with the enforcement of laws and regulations to silence dissent and opposition sectors.

The HRW's Communication Director said that the government "is controlling the judicial system."

According to the 2012 report, "the weakening of Venezuela's democratic system of checks and balances under President Hugo Chávez has contributed to a precarious human rights situation."

The country summary said that the Venezuelan government has systematically undermined the right to free expression and the ability of human rights groups to protect rights.

HRW highlighted that "police abuses and impunity remain a grave problem."

Source: ElUniversal.com