Eighteen journalists and media workers remain imprisoned in the country, as part of the severe repression that Nicolás Maduro’s regime has imposed on the independent press during his administration. There are fears of increased repression and civil rights violations if the government declares a state of internal commotion in response to the presence of U.S. military forces in nearby waters.
Radio and television are subject to the so-called Resorte Law, a punitive and discretionary instrument that enforces self-censorship across the entire radio spectrum. There are no independent print media outlets; instead, there are only a few newspapers aligned with the government.
Internet censorship is total. More than eighty digital news sites are blocked, including foreign outlets like CNN, NTN24, and Infobae. The blocking is carried out through telecom companies, such as Telefónica, via its subsidiary Movistar, which holds over 50% of the internet market share. As a European company, Telefónica is violating international regulations by restricting human rights in a country outside its jurisdiction.
In July, the National Journalists’ Association (CNP), the National Union of Press Workers (SNTP), and the Circle of Photojournalists demanded the release of detained journalists and media workers. The event was held at the National Journalists’ House as part of the #ElPeriodismoCuenta campaign. Days later, the SNTP condemned the vandalism of a banner displaying the faces and names of the imprisoned journalists.
On September 17, the CNP confirmed that the 18 journalists and media workers still imprisoned are: Carlos Marcano (May 23, 2025), Juan Pablo Guanipa (May 23, 2025), Mario Chávez Cohen (May 6, 2025), Nakary Mena Ramos (April 8, 2025), Gianni González (April 8, 2025), Juan Francisco Alvarado (March 20, 2025), Rory Branker (February 20, 2025), Ángel Godoy (January 8, 2025), Julio César Balza (January 9, 2025), Leandro Palmar (January 9, 2025), Belises Salvador Cubillán (January 9, 2025), Biagio Pilieri (August 24, 2024), Víctor Hugas (August 18, 2024), Roland Carreño (August 2, 2024), Gabriel González (June 17, 2024), Luis López (June 14, 2024), Carlos Julio Rojas (April 15, 2024), Ramón Centeno (February 2, 2022). Pedro Guanipa, detained on September 26, 2024, was granted house arrest in August.
Timeline of Key Events
On April 10, journalist Nakary Mena Ramos and her husband Gianni González were detained by Control Court No. 1. The Public Prosecutor accused them of inciting hatred and publishing false news after Mena reported on rising thefts in Caracas via Venezuela News.
On May 23, journalist Carlos Marcano, a contributor to various Venezuelan organizations, was arrested following a raid on his home.
That same day, ahead of regional and parliamentary elections, Sebin (Bolivarian National Intelligence Service) agents stationed themselves outside the CNP headquarters as an act of intimidation.
Armed, unidentified civilians threatened journalist Daniel Garrido, Telemundo News correspondent, and his team, forcing them to show credentials.
On June 29, independent journalist Walter Jaimes reported harassment by the Tovar Police in Mérida after publishing allegations of misconduct by the force on Tovar al Día.
On July 10, María Lidia Vasile, wife of journalist and political leader Biagio Pilieri, reported that he had been held in isolation and without communication since August 28, 2024.
On July 21, journalist José Gregorio Camero, detained on August 3, 2024, in Valle de la Pascua, Guárico, was released under precautionary measures. He must report to court every 30 days and is banned from leaving the country.
On July 27, during election day, El Impulso journalists were forced to delete photos taken at a voting center in Barquisimeto, Lara.
That same day in Puerto Ordaz, journalists Félix Requena (LosTubazos.com, Qué Pasa en Venezuela) and Edwin Rosal (Correo del Caroní) were harassed by electoral officials.
On August 10, the family of imprisoned journalist Carlos Julio Rojas reported being denied visitation for 13 days, during which they couldn’t deliver medication, clothing, or food.
On August 27, the government deported two Mexican journalists from Milenio who were investigating tensions with the United States.
On August 29, regional channel Televisora del Táchira (TRT) announced a partial closure due to financial difficulties, continuing only with pre-recorded programming.
On August 31, journalist Roland Carreño, imprisoned since August 2, 2024, at Sebin’s Helicoide facility in Caracas, was suddenly transferred to an unknown location. His family reported he has not been allowed visits or phone calls.
On September 3, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) granted precautionary measures to journalist Rory Branker, reporter for La Patilla, arrested on February 20, 2025, by Sebin agents. The Venezuelan state did not respond to the IACHR’s request.
On September 5, digital outlet El Martillo announced partial closure after nearly five years of operation. Founder and director José Mireles told SNTP they had been sustaining the outlet with personal funds for six months while seeking financial support.
On September 8, journalist and activist Melanio Escobar, founder of Redes Ayuda, an organization that defends freedom of expression and is known for documenting censorship, persecution, and digital surveillance, reported ongoing harassment by individuals linked to the government.
