Venezuelan NGOS Criticise Proposed Law

Prominent Venezuelan NGOs have warned that a bill being drafted by lawmakers loyal to President Hugo Chavez could be used to financially strangle groups that criticize the government.

Liliana Ortega, who leads the human rights group, Cofavic, points out that the bill puts in danger the existence of organisations that make the government uncomfortable.

However, the ruling party lawmakers argue the proposed law is necessary to increase oversight of foreign funding destined for NGOs, although they have promised to hear concerns from critics before taking up the bill for likely approval in the coming months.

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