Five journalists freed in Venezuela months after election-related arrests but three others still held
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is relieved by Venezuela’s release in December of five journalists held for covering protests linked to last July’s presidential election but is concerned about the judicial restrictions placed on them and the continuing detention of three other journalists. All eight must be granted their full freedom, RSF says.
Yuosnel Alvarado was freed on 24 December, Paúl León on 22 December, Gilberto Reina and Ana Carolina Guaita on 21 December, and Deysi Peña on 11 December. They were among a total of eight journalists who were wrongfully arrested for covering protests in connection with the presidential election held on 28 July 2024.
These five newly freed journalists nonetheless remain subject to judicial restrictions. They must appear regularly in court, they cannot leave the country, and they are prevented from speaking publicly about their legal cases. The lack of transparency around the conditions of their release and the status of the proceedings against them is a source of uncertainty and raises the possibility of renewed imprisonment and prosecution.
The three journalists still detained are Luis López, Eleángel Navas and José Gregorio Camero.
“The release of these journalists is a step forward but only the restoration of their full freedom and the withdrawal of the charges against them will suffice. We urge the authorities to end the abusive restrictions and arbitrary proceedings against these journalists and to quickly free their colleagues who are still detained, namely Luis López, Eleángel Navas and José Gregorio Camero.
The eight journalists were arrested on charges of “terrorism,” “inciting hatred“ and “criminal association.” These serious charges, carrying sentences ranging from 12 to 20 years in prison, are often used by the Venezuelan government to silence critics. The authorities have stepped up their persecution of media professionals since last July’s disputed presidential election, arresting at least nine journalists in connection with their work.
The release of the five journalists is part of a broader wave of releases of political prisoners, which the government often carries out during the Christmas period in response to domestic and international pressure.
