Chile expressed concern over the possible expulsion of two journalists from Venezuela

The Chilean government expressed its concern on Friday about the fate and possible expulsion from Venezuela of two special envoys from national television (TVN), who according to the Foreign Ministry were detained in the city of Cúcuta.

The aforementioned channel claims that journalist Iván Núñez and cameraman José Luis Tapia “entered legally carrying their passports,” but does not clarify whether they had a work visa stamped on their document as required by the Government of Caracas for all persons entering the country for work purposes other than tourism.

“We have been very concerned about the TVN team detained in Venezuela. Ambassador Gazmuri told me that they are being deported to Cúcuta and we are coordinating with Colombian authorities to facilitate their return. The case is being monitored by the President of the Republic, Gabriel Boric,” explained Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren.

In recent days, several journalists from other countries have also been detained and expelled by the government headed by Nicolás Maduro for having entered the country as tourists, without the required work permit.

In this context, and in a statement released on Friday, TVN explained that “the journalistic interest in learning about the situation on the ground and providing coverage in a plural way and with a national perspective” of the elections recently held in Venezuela, “motivated the sending of a team made up of journalist Iván Núñez and cameraman José Luis Tapia.”

“Both professionals entered Venezuela legally and carrying their passports, via Cúcuta. After crossing two checkpoints without any problems in the San Cristóbal area, Iván Núñez and José Luis Tapia were detained by a military patrol in Chururú, a town located near Barinas,” he said.

“The last contact with the journalistic team took place yesterday afternoon. Given this situation, diplomatic efforts were immediately activated to locate the professionals and demand their release,” he added, before pointing out that “according to the latest information available, the authorities of that country have taken the decision to deport the members of the team, according to information provided by the Chilean ambassador in Venezuela, Jaime Gazmuri, who has been personally following the case.”

The situation in Venezuela has become tense after the local electoral authority conceded victory to President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition denounced alleged fraud.

Chile was one of the first governments to question the results and demand the publication of the voting records to certify that they were transparent.

Other governments, such as that of the United States, have gone further and have even recognized opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of the controversial process.

Santiago / EFE