Big Brother

(Fox News) - A new Venezuelan law decreed by President Hugo Chavez is worrying human rights groups and legal scholars who say it threatens civil liberties.

The law says residents can be forced to inform on one another to avoid prison sentences. It also mandates cooperation with secret police if needed. Chavez insists it is meant to guarantee national security and shield against what he calls "imperialist attacks."

Chavez called critics of the law de facto supporters of the Bush administration. He said the measure is needed to combat what he termed "interference from the United States."