Through a statement, this coalition emphasized the environment where Venezuelan journalists work, full of restrictions and regulations that prevent their free exercise. This, as a consequence, leads them to censor themselves to avoid state repression and arbitrary detention.
This July 4, 23 countries that make up the Coalition for Press Freedom, signed a statement in which they express their “deep concern” about the lack of freedom of the press in Venezuela due to the repressive policies implemented by the administration of Nicolás Maduro against journalists, media workers and against anyone who dissents from his current.
In the opinion of this coalition, journalists in our country work in a context where there are regulations and laws that are restrictive, which increases the risk of being arrested and being victims of physical violence. But it is not only the press workers, but also that policy extends to those who work in NGOs.
In order to prevent them from being prosecuted or arbitrarily arrested, the journalists who remain in Venezuela resort to self-censorship. In fact, they denounce that there is a network of media outlets that are favorable to the Maduro administration that publish positive news, while those that are critical are likely to face legal consequences, including the cancellation of their licenses and even the confiscation of equipment. .
These measures become more evident in the digital environment where the portals that publish information adverse to the Executive are blocked and their content cannot be read in Venezuela, which affects the free flow of information and freedom of expression.
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“This is of particular concern given that digital information and communication media have never been more important and that most independent media outlets in Venezuela are now only able to operate online. The regime also allocates significant resources to spread its own messages and drown out the voices that challenge its narrative,” details the text of the aforementioned coalition.
The Coalition for Freedom of the Press insists that the right to freedom of expression exercised by journalists is key to the defense and promotion of democracy in a country and emphasizes that plural, independent and free media are essential for a democratic society can make the best decisions, listen to opinions and hold authorities accountable.
According to the NGO Espacio Público, in May 2022 there were 11 cases for a total of 14 violations of freedom of expression and harassment of information, along with the closure of two radio stations.
Of the total, 13 acts of violation of freedom of expression were related to censorship, judicial harassment and intimidation and one of administrative restriction specifies the report issued.
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