Venezuela: Former Vice President Accuses Seven Journalists of Opposition Ties

Cabello, a far-right political figure, has a history of threatening and attacking journalists

Location: Venezuela, Caracas
Date: January 16, 2024

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom is deeply concerned about the recent events in Venezuela involving former vice president Diosdado Cabello's accusations against seven journalists. We stand in solidarity with the journalists who have been unjustly targeted and vehemently condemn these acts of intimidation and violation of press freedom. His use of a public media platform to leak private communications and to launch verbal attacks on journalists like Ibis León, Víctor Amaya, Sofía Nederr, Osmary Hernández, Gabriela González, Deyanira Castellanos, Fernando Tineo, and Alberto Ravell, is not just a breach of privacy but also a dangerous precedent that undermines the integrity and safety of the press. We call for a comprehensive investigation into the matter, ensuring accountability for those responsible.

In a recent episode of "Con el mallet dando," Diosdado Cabello, host of the show and former vice-president of Venezuela, made headlines by leaking images of a conversation on January 5, 2024. These images were from the communications group of the National Assembly, where several journalists were seen requesting a link to connect to a Zoom meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to gather information about the installation session of the board of directors for the period 2024-2025.

"These are the journalists they [the opposition] pay. Of course, they have not been paid, and that is why they are writing like this," Cabello asserted. 

Among the journalists mentioned were Ibis León from Cocuyo, Víctor Amaya and Sofía Nederr from TalCual, Osmary Hernández from CNN en Español, Gabriela González from W Radio, Deyanira Castellanos, head of communications for Primero Justicia, and independent reporter Fernando Tineo.

During the same episode, Diosdado Cabello launched a verbal assault on journalist Alberto Ravell, labeling him as a hitman. In addition, he singled out Semana de Colombia Magazine, derogatorily referring to it as "Semata" (which translates to "to kill" in English). Cabello went on to accuse the magazine of having ties to Colombian "narco paramilitarism," alluding to the illegal armed groups formed by drug traffickers to protect their control over drug cultivation.

However, Cabello himself has faced serious allegations of corruption throughout his career. These allegations include accusations of heading an international drug trafficking organization, accepting bribes for public works projects in Venezuela, utilizing nepotism to reward friends and family members.

In 2013, Venezuela's prosecutor's office received at least 17 formal corruption allegations against Cabello. These allegations further tarnish his reputation and raise concerns about his involvement in illicit activities. On March 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of State offered a reward of $10 million for information leading to Cabello's arrest in connection with drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. This significant reward underscores the seriousness of the allegations against him and the international concern regarding his alleged involvement in criminal activities.

It is important to note that Cabello has a history of using his program to threaten, attack, and announce legal actions against media outlets and journalists.

Instances, where public officials or influential figures engage in stigmatizing speech and target reporters and media organizations, highlight the urgent need to protect press freedom. Journalists should be able to carry out their work without fear of unwarranted attacks or intimidation. Safeguarding press freedom is essential for upholding democratic principles and ensuring the public's right to access accurate and unbiased information.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering support of the journalists targeted by Diosdado Cabello. We vehemently condemn Cabello's verbal attacks on the press, carried out through public media platforms. These baseless accusations not only expose the journalists involved but also infringe upon their right to privacy of communications. We call on the Venezuelan authorities to make a collective effort to defend the rights of journalists and to hold accountable those who seek to undermine press freedom. It is crucial to create an environment where journalists can operate freely without facing threats or harassment. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help women career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.