The National Press Workers’ Union (SNTP) of Venezuela warned this Saturday, on the occasion of the world Day of freedom of the press, On the “systematic deterioration” of the conditions for the exercise of free press in the country, in which, he said, There are 35 “judicialized” journalists.
Through a statement published in X, the SNTP stressed as “very serious element” the Use “illegal and arbitrary of anti -terrorism laws as a tool to silence critical voices.”
“At least 35 journalists and press workers are prosecuted in Venezuela this May 3, when the world celebrates Press Freedom Day: 15 They are imprisoned12 subjected to precautionary measures and another 8 are facing interrogations or escaping arrest warrants, which freedom? ”, He questioned.
He also indicated that The media ecosystem in the country has been “devastated.”
“The disappearance of the print media, the closure of hundreds of radio stations in recent years and the blockade of more than 60 media on the Internet, have Informative plurality in more than 80%“, held.
The SNTP said that access to public information remains “precarious, with state officials who evade their responsibility to account for issues that are under their responsibility.”
He also said that during the first four months of this year he has observed a pattern of “Focused persecution” against journalists who cover issues related to citizen security“Evidencing intolerance towards the control of power and transparency in a sensitive area for society.”
The Public space NGO registered last year 99 arrests for “expressing opinions” in Venezuelaan increase of 254% compared to 2023, when they documented 28, according to the annual report of the non -governmental organization published this Friday.
Of the total, 71 of the detainees were “individuals” and 24 “between journalists and press workers”, while the “rest of the victims were distributed among members of NGOs and public workers,” says the document.
In addition, it indicates that 28 of the arrests “were produced by the use of social networks or internet” and “at least 36 under accusations of alleged instigation of hate.”
“This escalation of repression reflects a government strategy aimed at controlling public discourse and limiting civic spacewhich intensified from the presidential electoral process (of July 28), ”says the public space document.
According to data from this NGO, in Venezuela they were recorded 93 violations of freedom of expression in the first quarter of 2025.
(With EFE information)
