Venezuelan parliament prepares law to regulate NGOs and social media

The Venezuelan Parliament, controlled by the ruling party, resumed the debate on a law that regulated NGOs as part of a controversial legislative package pushed forward amid opposition claims of electoral fraud and under the United Nations warning of a "climate of fear."

This legislative package also includes regulations on social media and a law to punish "fascism," a term frequently used by the government to describe its critics.

The second and final discussion was abruptly suspended in less than an hour after progressing swiftly. The reason for the suspension is the drafting of an article. This debate, which began on May 21, was also previously suspended.

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With 256 out of 277 deputies in the National Assembly, the ruling party's approval of the law is assured.

According to Jorge Rodríguez, the President of the National Assembly, this is the first law the Assembly seeks to approve to "respect the electoral result" amid fraud allegations in President Nicolás Maduro's re-election.

The anti-fascism law, which enters a public consultation phase today before the second discussion, punishes the promotion of meetings or demonstrations that "glorify fascism." It also proposes the banning of political parties and fines of up to $100,000 for companies, organizations, or media outlets that fund or disseminate information that "incites fascism."

Maduro was proclaimed the winner with 52% of the votes for a third six-year term, lasting until 2031. The opposition, led by María Corina Machado, claims victory for its candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, in the July 28 elections, which Maduro has deemed an incitement to a "coup d'état."

His re-election sparked protests that have left 25 dead, 192 injured, and 2,400 detained. The United States, Europe, and several Latin American countries have called on the National Electoral Council to present a detailed tally of the election results, which has yet to be published.

The NGO law – a frequent target of government criticism – also prohibits the "promotion of fascism," "intolerance or hatred," and "engagement in activities typical of political parties."

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