Venezuela: Officials Prevent 10 Reporters from Documenting Riot at Police Headquarters
Journalists forced to record approximately 150 meters from the entrance
Location: Venezuela, Nueva Esparta
Date: February 15, 2024
Women Press Freedom expresses serious concern regarding the obstruction faced by journalists from ten media outlets, including Silvimar Campos of Canal i and Impacto Venezuela, María Marcano of Venevisión, Nelmary Salazar of Globovisión, Lisbeth Miquilena of Televen, and Ana Carolina Arias of VPItv and Reporte Confidencial, who were barred from documenting a riot at a police headquarters in Porlamar, Nueva Esparta. This restriction significantly curtailed their ability to provide coverage of the unfolding events merely 50 meters from their location. We unequivocally denounce any actions that obstruct the free flow of information and hinder journalists' capacity to report effectively. We demand a comprehensive explanation from the relevant authorities and advocate for unrestricted public access to information for journalists.
LATEST VIOLATIONS
Officials from the Scientific, Criminal, and Criminal Investigation Corps (CICPC) in Porlamar, in the state of Nueva Esparta, enforced restrictions that impeded reporters from ten media outlets from capturing visual documentation, including photographs and videos, at a distance of approximately 50 meters from the police headquarters during a riot that unfolded within the institution on Thursday, February 15.
The journalists impacted by these restrictions included Silvimar Campos of Canal i and Impacto Venezuela, Mario Guillén of Noticias Todos Ahora and Atarraya, and Gustavo Novoa of Notiespartano. Additionally, María Marcano of Venevisión, Nelmary Salazar of Globovisión, Lisbeth Miquilena of Televen, and Ana Carolina Arias of VPItv and Reporte Confidencial, along with cameraman Lenis González of Televen and Globovisión, were also affected.
Upon arriving at the scene, Silvimar Campos and Mario Guillén were allegedly informed by officials that they were prohibited from filming or capturing images of the situation. Relatives of the detainees present at the site requested not to be recorded, citing concerns about potential repercussions against the inmates if their identities were revealed in the media.
As more journalists arrived, officials reiterated the ban on capturing images and suggested they leave until an authority provided a statement about the situation.
The journalists were forced to record from a distance of approximately 150 meters from the entrance to the headquarters. Although the officials communicated the instructions politely, the restriction hampered the journalists' ability to report effectively, as they could not capture the details of the event or interview relevant sources at the scene.
The Institute for Press and Society (IPYS) in Venezuela has denounced this limitation imposed by state security forces on news reporting. The organization emphasized that public officials must ensure access to public information, particularly during events of public interest.
In Venezuela, journalism operates within a restrictive environment where journalists often face physical violence or threats. With both the Attorney General’s Office and the Ombudsman’s Office under President Maduro's control, ensuring journalists' safety is challenging, leading to limited investigations into acts of physical or verbal violence against them.
Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Silvimar Campos, María Marcano, Nelmary Salazar, Lisbeth Miquilena, and Ana Carolina Arias, alongside other journalists who were obstructed from documenting the riot at a police headquarters in Nueva Esparta. We express deep concern over the obstacles faced by these journalists, which constrained their coverage of the developing events. We strongly denounce any actions that hinder the flow of information and impede journalists' reporting effectiveness. We urge authorities to provide a comprehensive explanation and support unrestricted public access to information for journalists. Journalists must be able to fulfill their vital role in society by keeping the public informed about current events without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
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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.
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