Human rights record worsens under Chavez

HUMAN Rights Watch said Venezuela’s record on human rights has worsened under President Hugo Chavez, particularly with regard to government critics.

Venezuela responded by expelling the group’s Americas director, Jose Miguel Vivanco, on Thursday night, saying that he made unacceptable remarks against the country’s institutions.

“We aren’t going to tolerate any foreigner coming here to try to sully the dignity” of Venezuela and its institutions, Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro told state television.