The National Assembly of Venezuela announced this Thursday the release of “a significant number” of prisoners.
MIAMI, United States. – The Southern Voices Network, made up of 17 Latin American civil society organizations, claimed this Thursday the Venezuelan State “guarantee freedom of the press and information rights” and warned of an increase in restrictions against journalism and access to information in Venezuela, starting from the events that occurred on January 3.
In a statement dated this Thursday, the network expressed “deep concern about the increase in restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of the press and the right of access to information” registered in the country. Likewise, he stated that, until the text was issued, Venezuelan organizations had reported “at least 14 arrests of journalists and press workers,” in addition to deportations of foreign reporters, media blockades and limitations on access to public information, which, according to the network, has hindered coverage at a time of high information demand for the population.
The organization stated that the solution to the Venezuelan crisis must be “civil, democratic and peaceful” and that any process of institutional recovery must include guarantees for the practice of journalism, the protection and safety of journalists and communicators, and respect for the freedom of expression of citizens.
In this framework, Voces del Sur demanded “the full release of the 20 journalists who remain imprisoned,” whom it placed among “more than 900 political prisoners.” The statement maintains that, due to its status as a member of the United Nations and for having ratified international human rights covenants, the Venezuelan State has the obligation to guarantee the work of the local and international press so that the population can access information of public interest.
The network also urged the authorities to “cease practices of criminalizing journalism,” to restore access to information affected by “censorship and systematic blocking” of media, and to comply with international standards on freedom of expression. In its statement, Voces del Sur stressed that no state action can be placed above human rights and international law, and called for strengthening international protection mechanisms.
The regional network Voces del Sur was created to promote and defend freedom of expression, freedom of the press and access to information in Latin America, with a monitoring and alert system on violations of these rights.
