Date: Tue, 27 Jun 1995 23:59:56 -0700 (PDT)
Reply-To: Moderator of conference "iglhrc.ern" <iglhrc@igc.apc.org>
From: International Gay Lesbian Human Rights Commission <iglhrc@igc.apc.org>
Subject: VENEZUELA: Police Raid Gay Bar

New

Police Raid Gay Bars in Caracas

Members of police forces in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, carried 
out forceful raids of several bars frequented by lesbians and gays. 
The Movimiento Ambiente de Venezuela (Gay Movement of 
Venezuela) is calling for letters in support of their official 
denouncement of the raids.

On 12 March 1995 members of Caracas Police entered five bars in 
Caracas. The bars, Dos Barras,. El Pullman, Zig Zag, La Tortilla and El 
Flamingo are known for their lesbian and gay clientele. Police 
arrested several patrons, verbally mistreating and physically 
assaulting some, including one individual who freely admitted being 
homosexual.

The Movimiento Ambiente de Venezuela has formally denounced the 
raids in an official complaint before the national Ministry of Justice. 
Their compliant has been issued case number 0754.

Letters are needed expressing concern over the raids and inquiring 
as to the status of compliant Number 0754.

Letters should politely express the following:

1. Concern over reports of the police raids on gay establishments in 
Caracas on 12 March 1995. Any official actions that might be 
impeding the rights of lesbians, gay men and transvestites to freely 
assemble should immediately cease. The current suspension of 
constitutional garuntees can not be sued to justify the raids.

2. Complaint Number 0754, filed by the Movimiento Ambiente de 
Venezuela, should be exhaustively investigated. Any indication of 
wrongdoing by police officers should be prosecuted to the fullest 
extent under the law.


Write to:

Dra. Rosa Nemoli Bruno
Fiscal Cuarto del Ministerio Publico
de la Circunscripcio'n Judicial del Area
Metropolitana de Caracas
Edifio Palacio de Justicia
Esquina de Pajaritos, Piso 2
El Silencio
Caracas
VENEZUELA