Chávez camp launches smear campaign against presidential rival Capriles [View all]

[ChangoLoa]

Allies of Hugo Chávez have begun a smear campaign against the opposition's candidate for the Venezuelan presidency – while a row over voter lists has heightened fears that supporters of Henrique Capriles could face reprisals in their employment and personal lives.

Chávez's supporters have been casting doubt on the legitimacy of the vote to select Capriles, questioning his sexuality and disparaging his Jewish roots after his landslide win at the Democratic Unity coalition's primary on Sunday.

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The most furious accusations have come from state media commentator Mario Silva, who often targets Chávez's foes on his late night TV show The Razorblade. Silva insulted opposition leaders and then read out a purported police document reporting Capriles was caught in a car having sex with another man in 2000. Capriles denied the allegation and said the document was falsified. Police have not commented.

Another state radio commentator, Adal Hernandez, wrote a vitriolic profile of Capriles, highlighting his Jewish family background and titled The Enemy Is Zionism. Capriles, a practising Catholic, has not responded to the profile.
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/15/chavez-smear-campaign-capriles-presidential