- Carlos Correa, director of the NGO, stressed that all the detained workers have been accused of terrorism | Photo: Unsplash
The director of the non-governmental organization (NGO) Espacio Público, Carlos Correa, denounced that after the July 28 elections, a “brutal repression” against press workers was reported. He assured that lists were circulated with the names of journalists who were going to be detained, so many of them had to take shelter.
During an interview with the media VPItv, Correa highlighted the case of cameraman Paúl León, who was arrested on July 30 in the state of Trujillo.
He stressed that all journalists and other detainees have been charged with terrorism, statements that coincide with the complaints of other organizations, lawyers and activists, who affirm that political prisoners have been charged with the same charges.
“We are seeing now that there is more fear to speak and seek more information. After the elections, some (journalists) have had to leave the country,” mentioned the representative of Espacio Público.
Correa added that the greatest “repression” against journalists has been detected in regional media, where many of the journalists have had to make publications without a signature due to the “increase in the medium” of the exercise in Venezuela.
“In Venezuela, informing means overcoming fear”
Correa expressed that in the current context of Venezuela, journalists carry out their work despite the consequences that may occur regarding what they report.
“In Venezuela, informing means overcoming the fear that there may be consequences, in a context that is not entirely clear. (Currently) there are around 14 or 15 journalists detained (…) None of the people have been able to name their defenders,” he highlighted.
He urged human rights organizations to “maintain vigilance” regarding the situation facing Venezuela to give visibility to what is happening.
Some of the journalists detained in the post-election crisis
-Luis Lopez
-Ismael Gabriel González
-Yuosnel Alvarado
-Paul Leon
-Deysi Peña
-José Gregorio Camero
-Eleángel Navas
-Gilberto Reina
-Ana Carolina Guaita
Increase in attacks against journalists in Venezuela
Correa’s statements are related to the complaint from the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA), who on October 18 warned that In Venezuela, attacks against journalists increased in the context of the presidential elections of July 28.
“The cases of journalists being attacked are countless. During the electoral period, attacks perpetrated by police forces and vigilante groups increased, instruments to keep a muzzle on critical voices in the face of claims of fraud and lack of transparency,” says a report published by the organization.
The IAPA mentioned that the government of Nicolás Maduro continues to “overshadow the few vestiges” that remain of the freedoms of the press and expression, which has turned journalism into “a high-risk profession” in the country, after the authorities stopped to a dozen press workers in the months before and after the elections.
He highlighted that there are almost no independent print media in the country, after the closure of dozens of newspapers in the last decade, while radio and television stations “are silenced” by orders of the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel).
“Independent journalism is present on the Internet, but subject to a strict official blocking policy that the regime implements through telephone companies and service providers. The blockade also extends to social networks,” the writing adds.
The CNP complaints
On August 30, the National College of Journalists (CNP) reported a total of 102 attacks against journalists and media after the presidential elections of July 28, including deportation of foreign correspondents and “arbitrary detentions.”
Through the social network Instagram, the union indicated that, from the day of the elections until August 29, there were 19 cases of “intimidation”, 15 of “deportation of foreign correspondents”, 15 “arbitrary detentions”, 14 “ coverage impediments”, 10 acts of “harassment” and 9 “threats”.
In addition, five physical attacks were documented, three closures of radio programs, three campaigns against CNP executives, two “deletion of recorded material,” two “damages to media headquarters,” one “attempted theft of equipment.” ”, a “passport cancellation”, a “radio station closure”, a “theft of equipment” and “damage to property owned by a journalist”.
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#elections #brutal #repression #journalists
**Interview with Carlos Correa, Director of NGO Espacio Público**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Carlos. You recently denounced the situation facing journalists in Venezuela following the July 28 elections. Can you share with us what specific events have taken place?
**Carlos Correa:** Thank you for having me. After the elections, we witnessed what I can only describe as brutal repression against press workers. Many journalists were targeted, with lists circulating of those who were meant to be detained. As a result, some had to go into hiding or even leave the country.
**Interviewer:** You highlighted the case of cameraman Paúl León, who was arrested shortly after the elections. What can you tell us about his situation and the charges against him and others?
**Carlos Correa:** Paúl León’s arrest is one of many alarming incidents. All the detained journalists are being charged with terrorism, which is a shocking abuse of power. This mirrors what many human rights organizations and activists have been reporting; political prisoners share similar charges, which are clearly politically motivated.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned increased fear among journalists. How is this impacting their ability to report?
**Carlos Correa:** Absolutely, there’s a growing fear that is stifling the crucial work of journalism. Journalists now face the prospect of repercussions for their reporting, which is driving them to self-censor. In many cases, particularly in regional media, journalists are publishing articles without signatures to protect their identities.
**Interviewer:** You stated that around 14 to 15 journalists are currently detained. Have any of them been able to secure legal representation?
**Carlos Correa:** Unfortunately, none of the detained journalists have been able to name their defenders. This further complicates their situation and highlights the urgent need for international pressure to safeguard their rights and ensure they have proper legal support.
**Interviewer:** What do you believe is the role of human rights organizations in this context?
**Carlos Correa:** Human rights organizations must maintain vigilance and raise awareness about these injustices. It’s crucial for them to document and publicize the attacks on press freedoms in Venezuela, so the world understands the gravity of the situation our journalists face.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Carlos, for sharing these insights. It’s vital information that highlights the challenges journalists are enduring in Venezuela.
**Carlos Correa:** Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this issue. It’s essential for the international community to stand in solidarity with those fighting for press freedom.
To either self-censor or avoid reporting on sensitive issues altogether. Many have resorted to publishing under pseudonyms or without bylines to protect their identities. This environment of fear and repression severely undermines the capacity for independent journalism and the dissemination of accurate information in Venezuela.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the role of regional media and the challenges they face. Can you elaborate on that?
**Carlos Correa:** Regional media outlets are often more vulnerable to government pressure and intimidation. Many journalists working in these outlets have had to alter or omit content to avoid backlash, leading to significant self-censorship. It’s crucial for these journalists to continue their work, yet the potential for violence or detention hangs over them, making it incredibly challenging. This has resulted in a silencing effect, where only the most cautious narratives are shared.
**Interviewer:** What are the implications of these actions for democracy and freedom of expression in Venezuela?
**Carlos Correa:** The implications are grave. These actions not only threaten the safety of journalists but also undermine democratic processes and the public’s right to know. When journalism is under siege, the government effectively controls the narrative, which can perpetuate disinformation and erode public trust in the electoral process. The lack of a free press hinders accountability and perpetuates cycles of oppression.
**Interviewer:** What can be done to support journalists in Venezuela during this crisis?
**Carlos Correa:** Firstly, international awareness is vital. Human rights organizations and global media need to apply pressure on the Venezuelan government to respect press freedoms. Supporting independent journalism financially and through resources can also help safeguard journalists. We must stand in solidarity with those facing risks and advocate for their protection and the right to report freely, as this is crucial for democracy in Venezuela.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Carlos, for sharing these important insights with us. It’s crucial that we continue to shed light on these situations and support those fighting for free expression.
**Carlos Correa:** Thank you for highlighting this issue. It’s essential that we collectively raise our voices against repression and uphold the values of truth and transparency.
