- The union stressed that the authorities would be carrying out actions that go against due process
The National College of Journalists (CNP) reported on October 28 that the relatives of communicator Nelin Escalante still have no contact with him after being detained by officials of the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) in the Líder shopping center, in Caracas, on October 25.
“We reject these types of actions by police forces that go against due process and human rights. Freedom of expression and a free press are synonymous with a democracy,” the CNP wrote in a publication on X.
On October 25, the union reported that Escalante met at the Líder shopping center with DGCIM officials, with whom he went to the main headquarters, located in Boleíta Norte for another supposed “meeting” that they had requested. Since then, his relatives have lost contact with the journalist.
“We demand to know the whereabouts of Nelin Escalante, as well as the reason for his arrest. Nelin Escalante has not committed a crime and did not refuse to be ‘interviewed’ by the State intelligence bodies DGCIM and Sebin, which had approached him in recent weeks,” the CNP said on the social network X.
The union insisted that practicing journalism in Venezuela represents a risk, given the various cases of journalists detained during the post-election crisis.
“The arrest of Nelin Escalante, who in recent times and due to the situation of media closure in Venezuela reinvented herself and used the networks to continue doing journalism, shows that in our country there is no freedom of expression,” added the CNP.
Complaints about attacks and arrests against journalists
On October 28, the director of the non-governmental organization (NGO) Espacio Público, Carlos Correa, denounced that after the July 28 elections, observed a “brutal repression” against press workers.
Correa mentioned that due to the arrest of some journalists, many communicators do not sign their work due to the “increase of the medium.” He assured that in the post-election context lists were circulated with the names of journalists who were going to be detained, so many of them had to take shelter.
He recalled that all journalists deprived of liberty 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. charges.
On October 18, the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) published a report in which it warned that in Venezuela Attacks against journalists increased in the context of the elections presidential elections on 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,” the report says.
Reported attacks against journalists
On August 30, the CNP counted a total of 102 attacks on journalists and media in Venezuela after the presidential elections on July 28. Some of them were the 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, 5 physical attacks were documented, 3 closures of radio programs, 3 campaigns against CNP executives, 2 “deletion of recorded material”, 2 “damage to media headquarters”, 1 “attempted theft of equipment”, 1 “passport cancellation”, 1 “radio station closure”, 1 “theft of equipment” and 1 “damage to property owned by journalist”.
Likewise, the organization specified that the cases reported on July 28 represented half of the total computed in the first seven months of 2024.
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**Interview with Carlos Correa, Director of Espacio Público**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Carlos. The recent detention of journalist Nelin Escalante has raised significant concerns about press freedom in Venezuela. Can you elaborate on the situation and its implications for journalists in the country?
**Carlos Correa:** Thank you for having me. The arrest of Nelin Escalante is emblematic of the broader climate of fear facing journalists in Venezuela. His detention, without any contact from family or legal representation, clearly illustrates the violations of due process and human rights that we are witnessing. In a democratic society, journalists should be able to operate freely and safely.
**Editor:** The National College of Journalists has condemned these actions as contrary to due process. How does the union’s stance reflect the current state of press freedom in Venezuela?
**Carlos Correa:** The union’s vocal opposition is crucial. It highlights the urgent risks journalists face, especially since many have had to adapt and operate in the shadows due to increasing repression. The atmosphere in Venezuela discourages honest reporting, as many feel they could be targeted simply for doing their jobs. The CNP’s rejection of these police actions underscores the need for systemic change to protect our rights.
**Editor:** What specific actions do you think should be taken to safeguard journalists and ensure freedom of expression?
**Carlos Correa:** Firstly, we need immediate and transparent investigations into incidents like Escalante’s detention. Moreover, international organizations must pressure the Venezuelan government to honor its commitments to human rights. Civil society should rally hard to raise awareness both domestically and globally about these violations, so that the voices of journalists can’t be silenced.
**Editor:** Given the context you described, how can journalists in Venezuela continue their work safely?
**Carlos Correa:** Many journalists are opting to use digital platforms and social media to report. However, they must exercise caution, leveraging anonymity where necessary and being aware of surveillance. Networking with international journalists and organizations can also provide support—collaboration is key in these dangerous times.
**Editor:** Lastly, what message do you have for the Venezuelan authorities regarding the treatment of journalists?
**Carlos Correa:** They need to understand that attacking the press is an attack on democracy itself. Journalists serve as watchdogs and their contributions are vital in holding power to account. Instead of instilling fear, authorities should foster an environment where free expression thrives. This is essential for a healthy society.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Carlos. Your voice is crucial in this ongoing conversation about the state of press freedom in Venezuela.
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Carlos. The recent detention of journalist Nelin Escalante has raised significant concerns about press freedom in Venezuela. Can you elaborate on the situation and its implications for journalists in the country?
**Carlos Correa:** Thank you for having me. The arrest of Nelin Escalante is emblematic of the broader climate of fear facing journalists in Venezuela. His detention, without any contact from family or legal representation, clearly illustrates the violations of due process and human rights that we are witnessing. In a democratic society, journalists should be able to operate freely and safely.
**Editor:** The National College of Journalists has condemned these actions as contrary to due process. How does the union’s stance reflect the current state of press freedom in Venezuela?
**Carlos Correa:** The union’s vocal opposition is crucial. It highlights the urgent risks journalists face, especially since many have had to adapt and operate in the shadows due to increasing repression. The atmosphere in Venezuela discourages honest reporting, as many feel they could be targeted simply for doing their jobs. The CNP’s rejection of these police actions underscores the need for systemic change to protect our rights.
**Editor:** What specific actions do you think should be taken to safeguard journalists and ensure freedom of expression?
**Carlos Correa:** Firstly, we need immediate and transparent investigations into incidents like Escalante’s detention. Moreover, international organizations must hold the Venezuelan government accountable for these violations. Advocating for legal protections for journalists is paramount, alongside fostering a society where freedom of expression is not only allowed but celebrated. All of this requires collective effort from both national and international communities to ensure the safety and rights of journalists in Venezuela.
**Editor:** Thank you, Carlos, for your insights on such a critical issue. Your work is vital in bringing awareness to the plight of journalists in Venezuela.
**Carlos Correa:** Thank you for highlighting this issue. It’s crucial that we continue to speak out and demand accountability for the sake of a free and independent press.
