Venezuelan Security Forces Detain Journalists Amid Armed Police Patrols

Alarming Detentions in Venezuela

At least 14 press members were detained in Venezuela while covering the repercussions of the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by American forces. The Venezuelan Journalists' Union announced that most of those detained were employed by foreign news organizations and were later released, except for one reporter who was deported.

The incident occurred in the context of Delcy Rodríguez being sworn in as interim president, declaring her willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration, which has stated it will "take over" Venezuela. Journalists were arrested by Venezuelan security forces near the National Assembly in Caracas, subjected to searches of their equipment and phones, and their social media posts were scrutinized.

The detentions of journalists come during a volatile period for the country, marked by an intensification of repression against activists and journalists. A significant portion of the population is fearful of speaking freely about the current situation, amidst a heightened presence of police and pro-Maduro armed groups that create a climate of fear. The Union has called for the release of 23 media workers who remain in detention.