Venezuela’s Press Workers Union is calling for the July 28 presidential election to be “safe for journalists and the media.”
The Venezuelan Press Workers Union (SNTP) demanded security and professional guarantees for journalists covering the presidential election campaign on July 28.
“In light of the incidents documented in previous trials and the most recent acts of persecution (…) and attacks against journalists, the SNTP urges political actors and state institutions to guarantee plural, broad, timely and, above all, safe coverage for journalists and the media,” the union said in a statement released Thursday in Caracas.
The SNTP “demands that the physical and professional integrity of journalists be protected during election coverage” and stressed that “authorities must act diligently in the event of incidents that compromise security and prevent any type of aggression or intimidation.”
“We urge security forces to respect the work of journalists and not to hinder their work,” the statement said.
On the other hand, the SNTP requested that the National Electoral Council of Venezuela, the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Ombudsman’s Office take “exemplary actions against those who violate the right to information, in addition to a public office that recognizes the relevance of coverage and its commitment to legal and constitutional guarantees.”
“It is urgent that Judicial bodies put an end to the recurring practice of using criminal legislation to criminalize the work of journalists.namely, the Law against Hatred, for Peaceful Coexistence and Tolerance and the Organic Law against Organized Crime and the Financing of Terrorism,” he added.
The SNTP reminded political actors of their obligation to promote equal and secure access to campaign guidelines, events and electoral offers, pointing out that cases of attacks by candidate teams and other actors linked to campaigns have been documented.
“Journalists are not political activists, they are a channel for the collective exercise of the right to information and freedom of expression. It is essential to guarantee access to information during the campaign. Citizens have the right to be informed in order to make decisions,” the document stressed.
The SNTP also urged public and private media to facilitate access to platforms so that candidates can submit proposals and citizens can make their assessment.
“We call for promoting transparency in the dissemination of electoral information, avoiding manipulation or censorship,” he said.
On the other hand, the SNTP “urges the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) to cease administrative sanctions and acts of intimidation against television channels, radio stations and electronic media.”
“At least 15 radio stations have closed in 2024, and more than 150 in the last two years. In addition, radio programmes were suspended due to pressure. These incidents worsened in the days leading up to the start of the campaign,” he explained.
In the statement, the The SNTP also requested that electoral authorities establish mechanisms to comply with the aforementioned guarantees. and that national and international bodies that monitor and observe the electoral process be alert to any violation of rights and publicly denounce them.
Source: Observadora
