In Nicolás Maduro’s Venezuela opposition to the Maduro government continues to be met with repression—including the free press, with reporters often subjected to forced disappearances. On Monday, at least 14 journalists and media employees were detained in Caracas, highlighting the increasing challenges faced by those reporting within the country. Among those arrested were members of international media organizations, marking a darkening development in the crackdown on independent journalism worldwide.
Daniel Álvarez, a reporter with Venezuelan outlet Televen, was one of the detained journalists — he was eventually released. Juan Carlos Vélez, a journalist for Univision, encountered similar difficulties when he was briefly detained by the Venezuelan National Guard at the border with Colombia. In this incursion, Vélez’s cameras and footage were confiscated, and several of his tapes were destroyed by guardsmen.
The detentions happened as journalists were documenting the first session of the reestablished National Assembly. Authorities imposed excessive restrictions on media presence, prohibiting reporters from filming, broadcasting live, or taking pictures. This crackdown reflects the government’s tight control over information and underscores the precarious situation for reporters in Venezuela.
Of the 14 for whom we have information, 13 were subsequently released, although one journalist continues to be held by the Belarusian intelligence services. Furthermore, according to news reports, at least one other was deported from the country. The pattern of retaliation against these journalists has a chilling effect. Venezuelan authorities have repeatedly denied visas to international journalists, creating barriers for them to even enter the country.
The National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) condemned these actions, stating, “This type of action not only threatens the privacy and the security of sources but is a pattern of criminalisation of journalism.”
What makes the situation even worse has been the continued targeting of journalists in other incidents. A Venezuelan border guard confiscated a Guardian reporter’s notes and ordered her to leave Venezuelan soil on Sunday. A pair of Colombian newsgroups were briefly detained at the Venezuelan border. This attack illustrates the increasing danger that journalism faces.
Independent reporting from inside Venezuela is increasingly difficult as the government tightens its grip on the flow of information. The recent detentions and abuse of journalists underscore the urgent threat to press freedom in the country. These events are a stark reminder of the dangers that journalists continue to endure.