At least 14 members of the press were detained in Venezuela on Monday as they were covering the aftermath of the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by US forces. The union representing media workers in Venezuela reported that all but one of those detained were employed by foreign news organizations, with most released later that day. Foreign journalists have faced ongoing restrictions in Venezuela, with few visas granted for operations in the country.
The detentions coincided with Delcy Rodríguez's swearing-in as interim president, during which she expressed willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration, who have indicated intentions to influence Venezuelan politics.
The media workers were apprehended around the National Assembly and nearby Altamira in Caracas, with two seized by military counterintelligence agents and others by Venezuela's intelligence service. Reports indicate the detained journalists had their equipment searched, phones checked, and social media activity scrutinized, highlighting the regime's oppressive stance towards dissent.
In a separate incident near the Colombian border, a Colombian and a Spanish reporter were held for hours without contact before being returned to Colombia. The media union condemned the situation, labeling it alarming and demanding the release of 23 remaining journalists in custody.
The repression extends beyond media to community leaders, with armed personnel patrolling neighborhoods and monitoring social media engagement, resulting in widespread fear among residents. Internal Minister Diosdado Cabello showcased the militarized presence on social media, with many describing an atmosphere where speaking out against the government is met with intimidation.
These oppressive tactics follow a tumultuous political episode where Maduro's regime faced a crisis following a US-led operation. Despite jubilation among the opposition abroad, Venezuelans remained subdued, fearful of repercussions in a climate where dissent is met with brutal reprisals. Reports indicate that over 2,000 people were arrested amidst protests after the contentious 2024 elections, with more than 800 political prisoners currently detained in Venezuela.
The detentions coincided with Delcy Rodríguez's swearing-in as interim president, during which she expressed willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration, who have indicated intentions to influence Venezuelan politics.
The media workers were apprehended around the National Assembly and nearby Altamira in Caracas, with two seized by military counterintelligence agents and others by Venezuela's intelligence service. Reports indicate the detained journalists had their equipment searched, phones checked, and social media activity scrutinized, highlighting the regime's oppressive stance towards dissent.
In a separate incident near the Colombian border, a Colombian and a Spanish reporter were held for hours without contact before being returned to Colombia. The media union condemned the situation, labeling it alarming and demanding the release of 23 remaining journalists in custody.
The repression extends beyond media to community leaders, with armed personnel patrolling neighborhoods and monitoring social media engagement, resulting in widespread fear among residents. Internal Minister Diosdado Cabello showcased the militarized presence on social media, with many describing an atmosphere where speaking out against the government is met with intimidation.
These oppressive tactics follow a tumultuous political episode where Maduro's regime faced a crisis following a US-led operation. Despite jubilation among the opposition abroad, Venezuelans remained subdued, fearful of repercussions in a climate where dissent is met with brutal reprisals. Reports indicate that over 2,000 people were arrested amidst protests after the contentious 2024 elections, with more than 800 political prisoners currently detained in Venezuela.
