Chavez backtracks on Venezuela spy law

4 hours ago

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — President Hugo Chavez says his government will rewrite a new intelligence law to calm Venezuelan fears that the decree could be used to stifle dissent.

Many Venezuelans were alarmed that the law could force them to spy on neighbors or risk prison terms.

Human rights activists and representatives of Venezuela's Catholic Church have criticized the decree, saying it violates civil liberties.

Chavez on Saturday said his government would remove a clause in the law that requires citizens to act as informants if authorities believe they have information on national security threats — or face up to four years in prison for refusing.

Chavez said the revised decree would protect civil rights.