Venezuela Needs to Cease its Persecution of the Press: The Association of Publishers Makes Demands

The Association of Media Publishers of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EditoRed) demanded on January 6 that Venezuelan authorities immediately cease the persecution of the media and restore constitutional guarantees for the free exercise of journalism.  Furthermore, they called on European Union institutions and Latin American international organizations to maintain active vigilance and not normalize the imposed silence.  “Freedom of the press is the thermometer of a nation’s democratic health,” the association said in a statement.  EditoRed reiterated its unconditional support for the editors and journalists who, inside and outside of Venezuela, continue to work with dignity and courage. 

“They are not alone; the Euro-Latin American publishing community recognizes and supports their titanic effort. Truth cannot be a bargaining chip or a currency. Without free journalism, there are no citizens, only subjects,” the organization stated.  The Association of Media Publishers of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EditoRed) demanded on January 6 that Venezuelan authorities immediately cease the persecution of the media and restore constitutional guarantees for the free exercise of journalism.  Furthermore, he called on European Union institutions and Latin American international organizations to maintain active vigilance and not normalize the imposed silence. 

“Freedom of the press is the thermometer of a nation’s democratic health,” the association said in a statement.  EditoRed reiterated its unconditional support for the editors and journalists who, inside and outside of Venezuela, continue to work with dignity and courage.  “They are not alone; the Euro-Latin American publishing community recognizes and supports their titanic effort. Truth cannot be a bargaining chip or a currency. Without free journalism, there are no citizens, only subjects,” the organization stated.

Breakdown of Legality

The association also denounced that the actions taken against the press constitute a flagrant violation of international regulations that bind States.  He asserted that Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights , which guarantee the freedom to seek, receive and impart information without borders, are being systematically violated.  He also recalled that the Inter-American Democratic Charter establishes that freedom of expression and of the press are fundamental components of the exercise of democracy. 

“Ignoring these mandates is not an act of sovereignty, but a deliberate breach of the international legal order that places those responsible outside the community of democratic nations,” they warned.  On Monday, the National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) of Venezuela demanded the immediate release of 23 journalists and press workers, who remain deprived of their liberty in an “unjust and arbitrary” manner, as a direct consequence of their informative work.