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Chavez Takes Over Intelligence Agencies

Extends domestic spying and requires citizens to be informers

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 3, 2008 10:24 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Hugo Chavez has ordered a draconian restructuring of Venezuela’s intelligence agencies, bringing them under his personal control, increasing domestic spying powers, and levying prison sentences on citizens who decline to cooperate, the New York Times reports. One justice on Venezuela’s top court expressed outrage, calling it “a step toward the creation of a society of informers.”

"This is purely Cuban-style policy,” said one legislator. “Our rulers want to impose old models upon us.” Chavez says critics are de facto supporters of President Bush and the Patriot Act. The latter is a particularly ironic boogeyman, since Chavez’s decree includes electronic spying provisions of the sort protected by the Patriot Act. The Times interprets the move as a Chavez effort to increase his control after constitutional changes to expand his powers were defeated in December.

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez waves to supporters after casting his ballot in a primary election in Caracas, Sunday, June 1, 2008.
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez waves to supporters after casting his ballot in a primary election in Caracas, Sunday, June 1, 2008.   (AP Photo/Howard Yanes)
Hugo Chavez waves as he arrives to a TV station for an interview after attending the opening meeting of the Union of South American Nations Summit, Unasur, in Brasilia, Friday, May 23, 2008.
Hugo Chavez waves as he arrives to a TV station for an interview after attending the opening meeting of the Union of South American Nations Summit, Unasur, in Brasilia, Friday, May 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez talks to the media after casting his ballot during a primary in Caracas, Sunday, June 1, 2008.
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez talks to the media after casting his ballot during a primary in Caracas, Sunday, June 1, 2008.   (AP Photo/Howard Yanes)
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Spy law draws protests
BBC

Venezuela replaces old intelligence agencies
Venezuelanalysis

 
Venezuela • intelligence • domestic intelligence • Patriot Act • Hugo Chávez • government spying • informant

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