Venezuela: Journalist Karla Ávila Under Surveillance While Reporting on Opposition’s Primaries

The Coalition For Women In Journalism denounces attempts to intimidate journalists covering elections

Location: Venezuela, Ciudad Guayana
Date: October 22, 2023

Reporter Karla Ávila fears she is under surveillance after witnessing an unidentified person and police take pictures of her. The Coalition For Women In Journalism has documented an alarming increase in press freedom violations in the country over the past several months and is concerned by a series of incidents targeting journalists covering opposition primary elections in Venezuela. We demand an end to press harassment and call on the police to provide an explanation for surveilling journalists. 

On October 22, 2023, the morning of Venezuela's opposition parties' primary election, journalist Karla Ávila from Qué Pasa en Venezuela was photographed by an unknown person and a police officer from the Bolivarian National Guard. These incidents have raised concerns about surveillance and harassment of journalists covering political events.

Numerous journalists covering the primaries across the country have been intimidated and threatened. 

The Institute of Press and Society in Venezuela documented how unidentified people entered the National College of Journalists headquarters and photographed reporters in Caracas, causing anxiety among the journalists. 

Televisora del Táchira, a privately owned broadcaster, restricted its journalists from interviewing politicians during the primaries on October 22. The channel limited its coverage to less than a minute outside the electoral centers, raising concerns about press freedom during a crucial political event.

President Nicolás Maduro's administration intensified its criticism of the opposition primary held over the weekend, asserting the announced voter turnout figures were exaggerated, labeling the misrepresentation a “crime.” For months, Maduro's regime and its staunch supporters have thrown obstacles in the path of the opposition's primary, attempting to stymie their electoral endeavors. The latest move to question the legitimacy of the primary seems to be aimed at dissuading voters, many of whom already harbor fears of potential government repercussions.

Under President Nicolás Maduro's leadership, journalists have consistently faced disqualification, legal actions, and intimidation from state-run media and government authorities. With a presidential election approaching, the government has a heightened incentive to exert pressure on the press. Maduro, re-elected in 2018 through contested elections, intends to run again in 2024. 

Venezuela topped the global list of press freedom violations against women and LGBTQI journalists in September, together with Turkiye, as documented by the Coalition For Women In Journalism. 

On August 28, 2023, in the Zulia State, journalist Alexandra Torres was met with physical and verbal abuse as she attempted to report on a takeover at a police headquarters. On September 13, Mishelle Agreda and Nelsy Delgado, among other journalists, were physically abused during the anniversary event of the Democratic Action party. Threats to Luzfrandy Contreras via pamphlets left outside a journalism college on September 19, paint a disturbing picture. In Anzoátegui, on September 28, the National Guards physically barred journalists Marinelid Marcano and Gianna Rodriguez from reporting on an indigenous protest. 

The recent attacks on the press in Venezuela spotlight the daily dangers journalists face and underline the urgent need for protection. Especially during elections, ensuring journalists can cover the processes is paramount to the integrity and legitimacy of electoral outcomes. A free press scrutinizes the actions of candidates, political parties, and electoral bodies, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process

The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns the surveillance and intimidation of Karla Ávila and other journalists. We call on the government and police to cease their harassment of the press covering elections and ensure that journalists can cover all candidates and parties participating in the presidential election without threats or interference.

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 female 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.