CNP warned that blocking social networks violates the right to information and freedom of expression

• The organization recalled that these human rights are contemplated in articles 57 and 58 of the Venezuelan Constitution | Photo: EFE/ Ronald Pena R

The National College of Journalists (CNP) denounced on Friday, August 9, that the blocking of social networks in Venezuela violates the right to information and freedom of expression.

“Blocking social media in Venezuela violates Articles 57 and 58 of the national Constitution on the right of every person to freely express their thoughts, ideas and opinions through any means of communication without censorship, as well as the right to timely and truthful information,” warned X (formerly Twitter).

In addition to the Magna Carta, the right to freedom of expression and information is included in Article 19 of the Declaration of Human Rightsproclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris (France) on December 10, 1948.

The CNP statement came after Nicolás Maduro announced on Thursday, August 8, that X (formerly Twitter) would be blocked in Venezuela for 10 days.

Blocking social networks in Venezuela violates art. 57-58 of the CN on the right of every person to freely express their thoughts, ideas and opinions through any means of communication without censorship. As well as the right to timely and truthful information.

— cnpven (@cnpven) August 9, 2024

What does the Constitution say about the right to freedom of expression?

Article 57 of the Venezuelan Constitution establishes that every person “has the right to freely express his or her thoughts, ideas or opinions orally, in writing or through any other form of expression.”

Likewise, Venezuelan legislation provides that people can use any means of communication or dissemination to express themselves freely, without the use of censorship.

The Constitution also provides that people must “assume responsibility for what they say.”

Photo: EFE

“Anonymity, war propaganda, discriminatory messages, or messages promoting religious intolerance are not permitted. Censorship of public officials in reporting on matters under their responsibility is prohibited,” the article adds.

Article 58, for its part, states that communication is “free and plural.” It also entails the duties and responsibilities indicated by law.

“Everyone has the right to timely, truthful and impartial information, without censorship, in accordance with the principles of this Constitution, as well as the right to reply and rectification when directly affected by inaccurate or offensive information,” he added.

Maduro ordered the blocking of X in Venezuela for 10 days

On Thursday, August 7, Nicolás Maduro ordered in a speech take social network X out of circulationformerly known as Twitter, for a period of 10 days. He insisted that this measure is so that the company, owned by the South African tycoon Elon Musk, can present “precautions” to the authorities of the country.

At a political event, the president explained that he signed the proposal to suspend X, drawn up by the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel), with the aim of “enforcing the laws.”

“X should leave Venezuela for 10 days, so that they can present their documents and establish the definitive administrative measure, but enough is enough, enough of trying to sow violence, hatred, of trying to attack Venezuela from abroad,” said Maduro. He also accused Musk of being part of a “cyber coup” against him.

Photo: Pixabay

He said that “someday, sooner rather than later, new Venezuelan social networks will be born” to free the country “from these people.” These statements are in reference to the owners of platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram and TikTok that, according to Maduro, function as “multipliers of hate” in Venezuela.

On August 5, Maduro asked his followers to eliminate voluntarily and progressively WhatsApp application from their phones. He said that this messaging service is a tool to “spread threats against Venezuela.”

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