In the 2022 report on freedom of expression, Sin Mordaza pointed out that three out of 10 Venezuelans surveyed stated that in the last year they stopped participating in demonstrations to demand rights for fear of reprisals from the government, 32% of those who attended demonstrations commented who stopped commenting on what he thinks because of the same fear
In 2022, 97 cases of persecution, threats and harassment of civilians and press workers were registered, reported the non-governmental organization (NGO) Without Clamp. According to its report on freedom of expression for that year, there were 12 cases of arrests and murders, 11 blocking of websites, and 89 attacks on traditional media, an increase of more than 200% compared to 2021.
During the presentation of the report, held on May 2 at a virtual press conference, Sin Mordaza recalled that in 2022 Venezuela dropped 11 places in the world classification of press freedom than that of Reporters Without Borders. The country was ranked 159th out of 180. He added to his report that Freedom House labeled Venezuela as a State without freedom due to the lack of measures to guarantee access to information and freedom of expression.
*Read also: IPYS: At least 18 women affected by information limitations in Venezuela in 2023
Antonio Baptista, a member of Sin Mordaza, indicated that “although the State must respect the processes of freedom of expression, it must also guarantee policies that prevent violations of freedom of expression. The State has the obligation to investigate and prosecute officials who commit human rights violations.”
As part of the study, the NGO conducted surveys with the aim of determining citizen perception of freedom of expression in the country. Wengy Guaicara, a member of Sin Mordaza, said in this regard that the methodology had the objective of identifying how citizens function in public spheres.
He pointed out that three out of 10 Venezuelans surveyed affirmed that in the last year they stopped participating in demonstrations to demand rights for fear of reprisals from the government, 32% of those who attended demonstrations commented that they stopped commenting on what they think for the same fear.
“37.5% admitted that they stopped wearing clothes or garments that identified them as part of political, social and civil organizations to which they belonged for fear of reprisals,” the report noted.
Sin Mordaza pointed out that nine out of 10 Venezuelans have felt that Venezuela is not a safe place to say what they think without suffering consequences; 83.5% said that their community is not a safe place to speak their minds; while eight out of 10 said they responded that being in Venezuela it is not safe to say what you think on social networks.
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