The Devil's Excrement

It has now been reported that two people died of the gunshot injuries today. How long does this have to go on?

Another march today, this time to Los Proceres. Chavez’ supporters were bussed in and we were denied access to the area and gassed. According to the Vice-Minsiter of the Interior and Justice and the Head of the military police “because we did not ahve the required permits”. Well, according to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court only civilian authorities are the ones that approve such amrches and military authorities have to coordiante any action with civilian authorities. None of this was done and Governor of Miranda State Enrique Mendoza showed the required permits on TV, where three marches were approved. (The permit has now been posted in the Globovision site, and was issued by the Mayor of the Libertador District, a Chavez supporter)

The Chavistas started throwing rocks and burning the grass and some in the opposition started responding which prompted the police to throw gases at everyone (I can still feel the gas in my lungs, they should call it burning gas not tear gas, my eyes burned and my lungs still do). The thousands in the opposition march went back and stayed there for a couple of hours until Chavez’ supporters (nice people!) started shooting bullets at us. It was weird lying down without understanding that actual bullets were flying around. Three people were injured by bullets and roughly thirty are known to be injured. The opposition demonstration was asked to leave once the shooting began, two hours later the battle between the National Guard and Chavez’ supporters was still going on. For once, the New York Times had fair coverage of the event (Note that for once it says hundreds of Chavistas, versus thousands of the oposition, a factor of ten rather than equal forces, still underestimates the opposition, but I will take it). Other reports (in Spanish)  are here and here or here. When I have had time to rest and unwind I will post more and pictures.

Venezuelans are accustomed to celebrating the New Year’s at home, with family, not in public places like in many parts of the world. The Mayors of Caracas have tried in the last three years to change that without success. Well, all the marching and demonstrating changed that when the Democratic Coordinator invited people to go to the Altamira Distributor to await the New Year. It was packed as people danced on the highway to the live music of the country’s most popular dancing orchestra Billo’s Caracas Boys with merengues, Paso Dobles, cumbias and guarachas and beautiful fireworks.

More pictures in the Pictures section, sent by Oscar Sabater.

The 18th. Control Court ordered the Minsiter of Defense to free Gral. Martinez today. At the same time, COFAVIC, the Human Rights organization has urged the Government to respect the habeas corpus decided by the Court as it constitutes one of the most basic rights to guarantee the freedom, integrity and life of people.

To those that still believe that there is a democracy in Venezuela and those that always say we should wait for the recall referendum in August, I present the following evidence:

-On Dec. 18th. the Supreme Court returned the Metropolitan Police to the Metropolitan Mayor and gave the Cahvez Administration 15 calendar days to return it to its legal supervisor: the Mayor. The 15 days expired yesterday and the Chavez Government has yet to return it.

-Two days ago a First Circuit Judge (level just below the Supreme Court) ruled that Genral Martinez’ rights were violated (human and civil) and his detention was illegitimate. Well, 48 hours later, Gral. Martinez is still under arrest by the military.

Thus, I ask, is there a rule of law in Venezuela? Is there Democracy in Venezuela? Will there be a referendum Feb. 2nd.? Will there be a recall referendum in August?

To me the answers are obvious…….that is why Hugo Chavez Frias has to resign, his total disregard for the law and democracy makes him illegitimate as a President.

Twenty four hours after a judge granted the habeas corpus decision requested by the lawyers of General Martinez Alfonso, the General is still under arrest. I challenge any supporter of Chavez to tell me how this can be justified. In particular;

-The Gral. was arrested illegaly.

-He was beaten.

-He was not placed under house arrest until more than twelve hours after he was intially detained.

-A judge said his rights were violated, the detention was arbitray and he was not granted due process.

-He is still under house arrest.

Ok, I would challenge anyone that believes the law is being respected or Gral. Martinez’ rights are not being violated to point out with specifics how the current violation of the law and Constitution may be justified in the bizarre minds of the Chavez Government. No,” I feel”, “they can”, only specific articles of the law……

Just in case I affirm that this is a violation of the Generals Human, Civil and Constitutioanl Rights by Hugo Chavez and his band of bandits.