Venezuela: Local Officials Impede 9 Journalists From Covering Opposition Leader Rally
Organizers claimed “press had no designated area” and therefore weren’t allowed at the scene
Location: Venezuela, Caracas
Date: June 5, 2024
Women Press Freedom expresses unwavering solidarity with journalists Pableysa Ostos, Jhoalys Siverio, Francesca Díaz, Karla Ávila, Stephane Hernández, and Rosangely Bruces. These journalists were unjustly barred by municipal organizers from capturing photos of attendees, claiming the press had no designated space during a rally featuring opposition leader María Corina Machado. Despite attempts to negotiate, municipal coordinator Cipriano Díaz persistently tried to remove the journalists, even threatening to call security. We strongly denounce the targeted obstruction of journalists at public events seeking to report on matters of public interest. We demand accountability from Díaz and an explanation for his actions.
On June 5, 2024, during the rally in Puerto Ordaz, which featured opposition leader María Corina Machado, Cipriano Díaz, the municipal coordinator of Vente Venezuela in Caroní, Bolívar state, targeted nine media workers from various outlets. He barred them from boarding a platform truck to capture photos of attendees, citing the absence of a designated press area. Despite efforts to negotiate, Díaz persistently tried to evict the journalists, even going as far as threatening to involve security.
Reporters including Pableysa Ostos (La Patilla), Félix Requena (Los Tubazos.com), Jhoalys Siverio (Crónica Uno, Correo del Caroní), Francesca Díaz (Radio Fe y Alegría Noticias), Karla Ávila (What Happens In Venezuela), Stephane Hernández (New Guayana Press), Rosangely Bruces (Diario de Guayana), Carlos Suniaga (El Pitazo, VPItv, Unión Radio), and cameraman José Medina (VPItv) were affected by the incident.
Women Press Freedom is deeply troubled by the decline of press freedom in Venezuela. Our solidarity goes out to Pableysa Ostos, Jhoalys Siverio, Francesca Díaz, Karla Ávila, Stephane Hernández, Rosangely Bruces, and all affected journalists facing hindrances in their reporting. We vehemently denounce the mistreatment of the press and stress the importance of political figures honoring and enabling media coverage, especially during electoral periods. We call for a comprehensive investigation into the interference and urge accountability for those involved.
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