Venezuela’s Ministry of Defense has authorized the military to use firearms against demonstrators as a last resort in the demonstrations taking place in the country.
Released through a regulation published in the Official Gazette on 27 January, the measure seeks “to avoid disorder, to support the legitimately constituted authority and to reject any aggression, facing it immediately and with the necessary means”.
While some people supported the measure, opposition politicians, human rights activists and citizens condemned the announcement, especially through social networks:
¿Qué se debe hacer en caso de que manifestantes usen armas de fuego? Piden a Venezuela no usar armas de fuego http://t.co/z77TRHsmSI
— Félix Gutiérrez (@Feligut) February 10, 2015
What should be done if demonstrators use firearms? “Venezuela Is Asked Not to Use Firearms” http://t.co/z77TRHsmSI
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