Reporters Without Borders warns of a “climate of censorship” ahead of elections

Artur Romeu, director of the organization’s office in Latin America, stressed the importance of international media coverage to ensure the transparency of the process. Main photo: EFE

The international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warned on Thursday, July 4, of a “climate of censorship” at the start of the campaign for the presidential elections in Venezuela.

“In Venezuela, the presidential election campaign is taking place in a climate of censorship. Over the past decade, the Nicolás Maduro regime has worked to shore up state hegemony in the media landscape, while reducing the space for independent journalism,” said RSF.

According to the international organization, the campaign for the elections of July 28, 2024 began with little plurality in the media, little accreditation of independent Venezuelan media and limited international coverage.

“Nicolás Maduro’s two terms in power since 2013 have been a real disaster for independent journalism and media pluralism,” RSF said in a statement.

The document also criticised the closure of hundreds of radio stations and television channels since 2016, the closure of newspapers due to paper shortages, and the blocking of digital media.

Photo: EFE

Guarantees for journalists are demanded

Artur Romeu, director of the RSF office in Latin America, demanded that the government of Nicolás Maduro guarantee journalistic work, especially during the electoral campaign and on voting day.

Romeu stressed that, since the elections in Venezuela will not have the European Union mission to observe the correct development of the elections, it should be a priority for foreign journalists and communicators to travel to Venezuela to cover the elections and denounce irregularities without running the risk of being expelled from the country.

“A country cannot be democratic if the right to information is not respected,” reiterated the RSF representative for the region.

Media outlets to close in 2024

At least 10 media outlets, including radio stations and television channels, have ceased operations in Venezuela from January to April 2024, according to a survey conducted by El Diario’s team based on complaints made by the National Union of Press Workers (SNTP); the Institute, Press and Society (IPYS); and the non-governmental organization (NGO) Espacio Público, through their social media and websites.

According to these reports published between January and April 2024, more than 10 media outlets halted their broadcasts in the country by order of the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel).

SNTP asked for guarantees during the coverage of the campaign

He National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) urged the Venezuelan State on Thursday, July 4, to guarantee the safety and physical and professional integrity of journalists and media outlets during their coverage of the electoral campaign.

In light of the incidents documented in previous proceedings and the most recent cases of persecution, prosecution and attacks against journalists, the STNP urges both political actors and State institutions to guarantee plural, broad, timely and safe coverage for journalists and the media,” the SNTP said in a statement. “Authorities must act diligently in the face of events that compromise security and prevent any type of aggression or intimidation,” the organization added.

The SNTP urged the National Electoral Council (CNE), the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Ombudsman to take “exemplary” actions against those who violate “the right to information.”