Over the weekend, the Chavez government closed some 34 radio stations across the country, with about 200 more slated to be shuttered in the coming days. The flimsy government reasoning – that it wants to democratized the airwaves – is in fact doing the very opposite. The radio frequencies will now be issued to pro-government community groups.

Government officials have declared that freedom of speech must be limited to protect the “mental health” of the citizens of Venezuela.

“This is an outrageous and unacceptable assault on free speech,” said B’nai B’rith President Moishe Smith. “We are greatly disappointed that more international watchdogs, such as the Organization of American States, have not condemned Venezuela’s latest attack on Democracy. The international community should hold the Caracas government accountable for shredding the last line of defense against a dictatorship.”

This is Chavez’s latest effort to exert more control. He has broken up private businesses and put some private oil companies under government control.

“During his decade as president, Chavez has restricted more and more civil liberties,” said B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin. “Venezuela appears to be doing all it can to circumvent democracy.”

B’nai B’rith International has a long-standing strong presence throughout Latin America. For more than 80 years, B’nai B’rith has worked for human rights and tolerance and helped those in need across the region. B’nai B’rith will continue to challenge efforts to undermine freedom and human rights.