Venezuela's National Assembly approved reading of bill to regulate NGOs

Venezuela’s National Assembly on Tuesday approved a first reading of a bill that seeks to regulate non-governmental organizations in the country, creating backlash from activists. 

Advocacy groups and activists fear that if the bill is passed into law, it will silence the NGOs in the country with new threats and intimidation, preventing them from carrying out their work, reported The Associated Press. 

"Criminalization advances. NGOs in Venezuela could be fined up to 200 Petros ($12,000) if they don't comply with the new law," local NGO the Venezuelan Action Education Program (Provea) said in a message on Twitter.

The 15-page bill titled "law for the control, regularization, activities, and financing of non-governmental and related organizations" was presented by the second in command of Venezuela’s ruling party, Diosdado Cabello. 

If approved, the NGOs in the South American country will have to declare their assets, share their financial statements, and disclose their "relationship with donations received, with full identification of the donors, indicating whether they are nationals or foreigners," 

Additionally, NGOs will be banned from "carrying out political activities, promoting or allowing actions that threaten national stability and the institutions of the republic," according to the bill’s text. 

"If you are genuine and dedicated to social and humanitarian work, do you have anything to fear? You can register (and) the financing can be reviewed," Cabello said during a broadcast via state television.

"Those screaming are those who are up to no good," he added, accusing some of the NGOs of being backed by foreign governments and working to overthrow the government. 

National Assembly President Jorge Rodrigues said a second reading will come in the following weeks.