Summary Measure prolongs the government's authority to search homes and tap telephones without warrants
CARACAS (AFP) - Venezuela extended a state of emergency in parts of its border with Colombia for another 60 days on Tuesday, saying the restrictions on civil liberties were needed to combat smuggling and crime.
The measure prolongs the government s authority to search homes and tap telephones without warrants; it also limits the right to assembly and bans firearms.
President Nicolas Maduro has imposed the state of emergency in three border states since August 21 in a crackdown that led to mass expulsions of Colombian residents and sent thousands more fleeing the country.
The crackdown has come as the country heads into legislative elections December 6 amid a severe economic crisis and public disenchantment that have sent Maduro s approval ratings to 20 percent.
The extension decreed on Tuesday involves six municipalities in the western border state of Tachira, which also has been a focus of anti-government protests.
States of emergency are also in effect in the western states of Zulia and Apure.
Maduro first imposed the restrictions after a Venezuelan military patrol came under fire in the state of Tachira on August 19, leaving four wounded, an incident Caracas attributed to Colombian paramilitaries.
The leftist government has also blamed cross-border smuggling for widespread shortages of basic goods in Venezuela, and has sought to seal the border to stop it.
