Statement: Attacks on journalists further darken the electoral landscape in Venezuela
Free Press Unlimited, together with 10 other organisations, expresses its concern about the attacks on national and international journalists who documented the electoral situation in Venezuela. The press freedom organisations published a statement to urge the Venezuelan authorities to fulfil their obligation to guarantee and protect the exercise of freedom of expression and peaceful association, as well as the work of journalists in the country.
Before, during, and after the electoral day on July 28, cases of public force abuse, arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and restrictions on journalistic work have been documented, violating the rights to freedom of expression and press freedom. According to figures from the Instituto de Prensa y Sociedad (IPYS Venezuela), 51 attacks on journalists were registered during the election campaign. On the election day, July 28, there were 41 documented cases involving 26 reporters, five photojournalists, and two cameramen.
According to the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, dozens of people were injured during the demonstrations on July 31. The National Hospital Survey recorded at least 13 people killed and 93 injured in the context of the protests. In addition, one journalist was shot and three journalists were imprisoned.
The restrictions on access to information is another violation of press freedom. On the day of the elections, journalists of National Electoral Council (CNE) accreditation were denied access to polling stations. Days before, news websites, fact-checking platforms and civil society websites were already blocked. This situation caused the election results to not be verified.
Censorship and repression of journalists and media support organisations by various Venezuelan authorities under President Nicolás Maduro are evidence of the severe and growing deterioration of freedoms in the country. This exacerbates the Latin American context and accelerates democratic regression in the country and the region.
According to international standards, the Venezuelan state must guarantee security and access to sources and information for journalists reporting on the current situation in the country. The work of journalists is fundamental for disseminating reliable information and for monitoring and controlling the electoral process.
Given the severity of this situation, the undersigned organisations call on the current Venezuelan government and all state authorities to cease repression and abuse of force against protesters and refrain from further attacks on the press.
Read the full statement in Spanish:
Read the full statement in English:
Signed
Regional Alliance for Free Expression and Information
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Free Press Unlimited
Freedom House
Fundamedios
IFEX-ALC
Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP)
International Media Support (IMS)
La Alianza Regional por la Libre Expresión e Información