At least 14 media workers were detained on Monday in Caracas while covering events related to the political upheaval in Venezuela. The arrests occurred during a march supporting ousted President Nicolas Maduro and the swearing-in of the country’s new legislature, according to the Venezuelan National Press Association (SNTP).
Who Was Affected
Among those detained, 11 were journalists working for international media outlets, one for a national outlet, and one foreign journalist was deported. All others were later released. China’s foreign ministry confirmed that Chinese reporters in Venezuela were safe.
Context
The detentions follow the U.S. military’s capture of Maduro over the weekend and his subsequent not-guilty plea in a New York federal court on narcoterrorism charges. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as Venezuela’s interim leader, taking charge of the government amid ongoing political uncertainty.
Official Responses
Venezuelan government ministries responsible for information and communications did not comment on the detentions. Major international news agencies, including AP, AFP, and CNN, also did not immediately respond to requests for information.
Implications
The arrests highlight risks faced by journalists reporting in politically unstable environments. While most were released, the deportation of a foreign reporter underscores the tense climate for international media in Venezuela during this period of leadership transition and heightened U.S.-Venezuela tensions.
With information from Reuters.
