Dr. Humberto Prado Sifontes, human rights activist and Director of the Venezuelan Prisons Observatory has been falsely accused of instigating violence in prisons following the outbreak of revolts at a local prison. CIVICUS is deeply concerned that the human rights activist may face persecution following comments from the state minister and other media outlets in the country. “Accusations levelled against Dr. Sifontes are ridiculous and places serious constraints on the lives and activities of human rights defenders in Venezuela,” said Feliciano Reyna, CIVICUS Board Member and head of Sinergia in Venezuela.
More to come.