- The organization detailed that in the tenth month of the year there were acts of intimidation, censorship, harassment and threats against journalists, media and citizens in general | Photo: EFE
The non-governmental organization (NGO) Espacio Público counted 13 violations of the right to freedom of expression in Venezuela during the month of October. The figure represents a 50% reduction compared to September, when 26 events were reported.
In a press release, the NGO recorded 5 acts of intimidation, 2 of censorship, 2 of verbal harassment, 1 threat, 1 administrative restriction and 1 judicial harassment. In addition, the organization reported a death, “still not clarified or investigated impartially.”
Likewise, he explained that there were 10 victims whose rights to freedom of expression were violated. Among those affected were 6 journalists or reporters, as well as 2 media outlets and 2 events that involved citizens in general.
“Only one of the documented perpetrators is not directly linked to the Venezuelan State, being of unknown occupation,” he added.
Other information
Espacio Público maintained that in the tenth month of the year the National Integrated Customs and Tax Administration Service (Seniat) ordered the closure for 8 months of the The Voice Newspaperfor allegedly not having their tax bill updated.
Likewise, it documented a “massive failure” of Internet connectivity caused by blackouts and electricity shortages.
“The most affected regions were Táchira, Apure, Guárico, Mérida, Miranda and Carabobo, with drops of up to 20% of their normal connectivity levels,” he said.
Repression against the press after the elections
Carlos Correa, director of Public Space, denounced on October 28 that after the elections of July 28 reported “brutal repression” against press workers.
He recalled that after the elections lists were circulated with the names of journalists who were going to be arrested. Due to this, he mentioned that many of these press workers had to take shelter.
During an interview with the media VPItvCorrea added that the greatest repression against journalists has been detected in regional media, where many have had to make publications without a signature due to the “increased fear” due to the possible consequences they may entail.
IAPA warned of an increase in attacks against journalists in Venezuela
On October 18, the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) warned that Attacks on journalists increased in Venezuela in the context of the presidential elections of July 28.
The organization said the government “continues to overshadow the few remaining vestiges of press and expression freedoms,” which has turned journalism into “a high-risk profession” in the country, after authorities detained a dozen of press workers in the months before and after the elections.
“The cases of journalists being attacked are countless. During the electoral period, attacks perpetrated by police forces and parapolice groups increased, instruments to keep a muzzle on critical voices in the face of claims of fraud and lack of transparency,” the SII mentioned in its statement.
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#Espacio #Público #reported #violations #freedom #expression #October
Venezuela press freedom
The situation regarding freedom of expression in Venezuela remains critical, with reports from the non-governmental organization (NGO) Espacio Público highlighting ongoing violations against journalists, media outlets, and citizens. In October, the NGO recorded a total of 13 violations, marking a significant decrease from the 26 incidents reported in September. These violations included acts of intimidation, censorship, verbal harassment, and threats, predominantly linked to the Venezuelan State.
Among the documented cases, there were 6 journalists among those affected, alongside 2 media outlets and incidents involving ordinary citizens. The organization emphasized the need for impartial investigations into cases of death related to these violations, underscoring that only one perpetrator documented was not directly connected to the state.
In addition to these concerns, Espacio Público reported on administrative actions taken against media outlets, such as the 8-month closure of *The Voice Newspaper* due to alleged tax issues. Internet connectivity also faced significant challenges, with notable failures attributed to power outages impacting various regions of the country.
The NGO’s director, Carlos Correa, also expressed alarm over the “brutal repression” of journalists following the elections held on July 28. He reported that lists of journalists targeted for arrest circulated post-elections, causing many journalists to seek shelter out of fear for their safety. This situation has prompted a surge in unpublished works or unattributed articles, particularly in regional media, as journalists navigate increasing risks associated with their work.
the ongoing environment of intimidation and repression reflects a troubling landscape for freedom of expression in Venezuela, with implications for the journalistic community and its ability to operate safely and freely.
