From the BBC:

Human Rights Watch attacks 'abuse of power' in Venezuela

The abuse of power by the Venezuelan government under President Hugo Chavez has increased over the past four years, according to Human Rights Watch.

Legislation limiting free speech and the removal of institutional safeguards give the government free rein to censor and intimidate critics, the group says.

"The accumulation of power in the executive, the removal of institutional safeguards and the erosion of rights guarantees have given the Chavez government free rein to intimidate, censor and prosecute Venezuelans who criticise the president or thwart his political agenda," the report says.

Sound familar?