Venezuela will abandon the Inter American justice system because it is “awful and rotten”

6th Monday, August 2012 - 08:20 UTC Full article

Chavez says the court is out of touch with “the new emerging world”

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez reiterated that organisms such as the “awful, rotten and degenerate” Human Rights Inter American Court (CIDH) and the Inter American Court should disappear since they are “not worthy of the new world” ratifying his country will pull out from the two.

“These organisms must disappear, they have to disappear because they are not worthy of the new world that is emerging” added Chavez insisting that Venezuela will no longer belong to the two organizations.

Last 30 April Chavez announced that Venezuela would abandon the Human rights Inter American court and on 24 July said that likewise Caracas would leave the Inter American Court following a ruling in favour of an individual who fled from Venezuela where he faces terrorism charges.

“It certainly is not one of the important institutions; who cares about this court: it’s a complete aberration” he emphasized.

The Venezuelan opposition strongly condemned Chavez decision to abandon the inter American justice system since this “will deprive all Venezuelans, particularly those most needy and ignored by the justice system, their right to be protected in international instances”.

According to CIDH the custody of Raul Diaz accused of terrorism was arbitrary, too long and with no appeal resource.

However the court acknowledged some arguments presented by the Venezuelan government regarding the domestic instances of the trial such as Mr. Diaz custody and duration of the process, and there was even a dissenting vote from one of the magistrates in the court.

Nevertheless the Court sentenced the State of Venezuela for the violation of Mr. Diaz’ right to physical integrity Diaz because of the conditions of imprisonments and the deterioration of his health.

But not only in Venezuela have there been calls for caution: outside organizations have called on the Venezuelan government to reconsider its decision to abandon the Inter American justice system.