The International Press Institute (IPI) today blasted a series of attacks on journalists covering protests in Venezuela’s capital city Caracas and joined calls for a full investigation to hold the assailants accountable.
More than a dozen journalists were threatened, beaten and robbed as they covered spontaneous protests against increased food shortages in the country that degenerated into rioting.
Bolivarian National Guard officers (GNB) ordered at least 17 journalists to leave the protests, according to news reports. Other individuals then mugged and beat many of the journalists, breaking or taking equipment and personal items “with the intent to eliminate any evidence that would identify those who were at the [protest] generating violence”, the National Syndicate of Media Workers (SNTP) wrote in a statement.
Photos and videos posted on social media depicted GNB officers nearby as some of the attacks occurred, but journalists said the officers did little to stop them.
“It has become clear that journalists in Venezuela not only face official pressure, but an increasing threat from individuals who would use violence to show their discontent with the current state of affairs,” IPI Director of Advocacy and Communications Steven M. Ellis said today. “We join in calls for an immediate and full investigation and for the attackers to be brought to justice. We also urge authorities to ensure that security forces understand their obligation to protect all citizens, including journalists.”
Living conditions have been deteriorating in Venezuela, as food shortages have increased in recent months and high inflation rates have skyrocketed. Local news media outlets report that long lines plague grocers, as there is little supply of necessities such as milk, meat or bread. Coca Cola and Empresas Polar, the largest brewery in the country, have stopped producing, respectively, due to shortages in sugar and barley.
In 2014, similar protests threatened journalists’ safety throughout Venezuela, leading IPI’s General Assembly to issue resolution calling on the government to “ensure a safe working environment for reporters and editors”.
