WHEREAS the political context following the 2024 elections has intensified the persecution and criminalization of press workers, with an increase in the number of arrests for covering protests and public demonstrations
WHEREAS the political context following the 2024 elections has intensified the persecution and criminalization of press workers, with an increase in the number of arrests for covering protests and public demonstrations
WHEREAS systematic attacks against journalists, media outlets, and press workers continue, evidencing an alarming deterioration
WHEREAS that the misuse of the judicial system persists with the imputation of serious crimes such as terrorism and incitement to hatred against press workers, which constitutes a form of intimidation
WHEREAS that CONATEL and other state agencies use administrative procedures to order the closure of radio stations and print media
WHEREAS these actions have a severe impact on the media ecosystem, reducing the existence of independent media and informational pluralism and promoting self-censorship on sensitive topics for fear of reprisals
WHEREAS the blocking of informational portals has intensified, preventing access to information
WHEREAS that authorities and public officials stigmatize and make public accusations against journalists and media, exposing them to risks and forcing them into exile
WHEREAS the reduction of independent media favors the concentration of information in channels controlled by the State
WHEREAS principles 4 and 5 of the Declaration of Chapultepec establish that “intimidation, the unjust imprisonment of journalists, the destruction of facilities, violence of any kind and impunity for perpetrators” severely restrict freedom of expression and press,” as well as “restrictions on the circulation of the media or dissemination of their reports, forced publication of information, the imposition of obstacles to the free flow of news, and restrictions on the activities and movements of journalists.”
THE MIDYEAR MEETING OF THE IAPA RESOLVES
To urge the State to cease the persecution of journalists and media; to release all press workers arbitrarily detained; to respect international standards on freedom of expression; to guarantee due process in judicial cases against journalists; and to allow the free operation of media
To request the international community to monitor the situation of press freedom, demand respect for the human rights of journalists, and support initiatives that strengthen independent journalism in the country
To promote journalistic associations to continue documenting and denouncing attacks against the press, to strengthen protection mechanisms for journalists at risk, and to promote solidarity with Venezuelan communicators.
