- The NGO reported that during the eighth month of the year there were acts of censorship, intimidation and harassment in the context of post-election protests | Photo: EFE
The non-governmental organization (NGO) Espacio Público documented 101 violations of the right to freedom of expression during the month of August, which is 67 fewer cases than those recorded in July, when 168 were registered, the highest figure of the year.
The NGO said that violations of freedom of expression occurred mainly due to “acts of censorshipintimidation and harassment” in the context of the post-election “demonstrations and political conflict.”
The organization also documented 56 cases involving media outlets, citizens, journalists or press workers, who, according to the NGO, had one or more rights to freedom of expression violated.
“The violations of freedom of expression in August were perpetrated by 77 perpetrators, most of them linked to the Venezuelan State. Among them are 31 State institutions, 18 security forces, 10 officials, eight private operators and six people linked to the Executive Branch,” the organization stated in a note released on Friday, September 6.
The arrests
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Public Space He stated that the Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) “promoted the arbitrary detention of citizens who spread information critical of the government on social media and instant messaging applications, such as WhatsApp.”
He mentioned cases of people who were arrested for “creating and spreading a video on the social network TikTok” showing their disagreement with the government of Nicolás Maduro or for publications related to the opposition.
He also documented the situation of foreign journalists who were deported, the raid on the newspaper’s headquarters The Caroreño in Lara state and “an attack” against the national media TalCual which blocked “access to its content” via the Internet.
In addition, the organization recorded the arrest of 16 journalists, of which 12 have not yet been released.
With information from EFE
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#Public #Space #reported #violations #freedom #expression #August
2024-09-06 20:18:20
Human rights Watch Venezuela
Venezuela’s Struggle for Freedom of Expression: A Critical Analysis
Venezuela, a country in South America, has been grappling with a socio-economic and political crisis for years. The situation has led to a decline in internet freedom, censorship, and harassment of activists, which has raised concerns about the country’s commitment to democracy and human rights. This article examines the state of freedom of expression in Venezuela, highlighting the challenges faced by citizens, journalists, and human rights activists.
Freedom of Expression in Venezuela: A Constitutional Right
Article 58 of the Venezuelan Constitution enshrines the right to freedom of expression, guaranteeing citizens the right to express their opinions and thoughts freely [[3]]. However, in practice, the Venezuelan government has failed to protect this fundamental right, instead employing measures to suppress dissent and criticism.
Censorship, Intimidation, and Harassment
The non-governmental organization (NGO) Espacio Público documented 101 violations of the right to freedom of expression in August 2024, with 67 fewer cases than those recorded in July, the highest figure of the year [[query]]. The NGO attributed these violations to acts of censorship, intimidation, and harassment in the context of post-election protests and political conflict.
Government-Linked Perpetrators
According to Espacio Público, 77 perpetrators were responsible for these violations, with the majority linked to the Venezuelan State, including 31 State institutions, 18 security forces, 10 officials, eight private operators, and six people linked to the Executive Branch [[query]].
Challenges for Journalists and Media Outlets
Venezuelan journalists and media outlets face significant challenges in exercising their right to freedom of expression. The NGO reported 56 cases involving media outlets, citizens, journalists, or press workers who had their rights to freedom of expression violated [[query]]. The situation is dire, with many journalists facing intimidation, harassment, and even imprisonment for reporting on sensitive issues.
International Calls for Action
The global civil society alliance has called on the Venezuelan government to respect people’s freedoms to express, peacefully assemble, and fully participate in democratic processes [[1]]. International organizations, such as Freedom House, have also expressed concerns about the decline in internet freedom and the increasing restrictions on freedom of expression in Venezuela [[2]].
Conclusion
The struggle for freedom of expression in Venezuela is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. The Venezuelan government must take concrete steps to protect this fundamental right, ensuring that citizens can express themselves freely without fear of reprisal or persecution. The international community must also continue to pressure the Venezuelan government to respect human rights and democratic principles.
References
[1] Civicus.org
[2] Freedom House
[3] RSF
