Venezuela's Progress Towards an Orwellian State Continues Apace

But the people don't seem to be taking it lightly:

Venezuelan law may lead to neighborly snitching

By Christopher Toothaker | Associated Press
June 4, 2008


CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelans may be forced to spy on their neighbors or risk prison terms under President Hugo Chavez's new intelligence decree, raising fears of a Cuba-style system that could be used to stifle dissent.

Chavez says the intelligence law that he quietly decreed last week will help Venezuela detect and neutralize national security threats, including assassination or coups plots. But many Venezuelans are alarmed that they could be forced to act as informants for the authorities or face up to 4 years in prison.