Promoting Free Speech in Venezuela - Free Oswaldo Alvarez Paz

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President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has a long history of abusing his authority and power to suppress political dissent. Chavez has taken over the nation’s media outlets, forcing them to broadcast his speeches and limiting the speech of his opponents. Now he has moved to outright imprisonment for those who dare to speak against the government, such as Oswaldo Alvarez Paz.
Oswaldo Álvarez Paz is an outspoken advocate of democracy in Venezuela who has been jailed by the Chavez regime for speaking out against the government. He was arrested on March 22nd for his remarks on a television talk show acknowledging the fact that Venezuela has become a haven for drug trafficking.
The Free Speech Venezuela Campaign, a coalition of international pro-ro-liberty think tanks, is launching a letter writing action to support the respect of freedom of speech in Venezuela as expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
You can help this action by writing an email or letter to the Secretary General of the
Organization of American States. Our officials and diplomats will not take action against Chavez's oppressive regime unless they know the people of their country fervently support free speech for all.

PLEASE WRITE in Spanish or in English to:

Email:
mrivero@oas.org

Physical Letter:
200 17th St NW
Washington, DC 20006

Here is sample text you can use

José Miguel Insulza
Secretary General
The Organization of American States
200 17th St NW
Washington, DC 20006

Dear Secretary General,

It has come to my understanding that Oswaldo Alvarez Paz has been arrested by the
government of Venezuela for his remarks on a television talk show acknowledging the fact that Venezuela has become a haven for drug trafficking. Freedom of speech, particularly that of questioning one's government, is an essential component of basic human rights It is inadmissible that the claims presented by Oswaldo Alvarez Paz, exercising his own individual rights, be the reason for his imprisonment and continued persecution. The Human Rights Foundation has declared Oswaldo Álvarez Paz to be a “prisoner of conscience” under the Chavez regime.
In view of the above, I write to express solidarity and support to Dr. Alvarez Paz and
demand from Hugo Chavez’s regime that:

Oswaldo Álvarez Paz be brought to trial in accordance with internationally recognized
standards, or else that he be released immediately.

All charges against Oswaldo Álvarez Paz which are not related to legitimate criminal offences be dropped immediatly.

We all agree that free speech is one the most fundamental of human rights.

Sincerely,