The journalists' union reported that agents working for Venezuela's military counterintelligence agency and intelligence service were responsible for the detentions. The media workers had their equipment searched, phones checked, and social media posts and messages scrutinized, the union stated. The two reporters detained near Cúcuta were held incommunicado for several hours before being released.
These detentions took place as Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president and shortly after she expressed a willingness to cooperate with the U.S. Trump administration, which has previously stated its intention to "run" Venezuela.
Restrictions on foreign news media have long been a feature of the Venezuelan media landscape. Very few foreign journalists are granted visas to work in the country, making reporting from within Venezuela challenging. This situation reflects a broader trend of declining press freedom in Venezuela, as documented by international organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists. These organizations have consistently criticized the Venezuelan government for its censorship tactics, harassment of journalists, and restrictions on access to information.
The detentions highlight the ongoing tensions between the Venezuelan government and international media, particularly concerning coverage of the country's political and economic crisis. The Venezuelan government has often accused foreign media outlets of biased reporting and interference in its internal affairs. The incident near Cúcuta underscores the sensitivity surrounding the Colombia-Venezuela border, a region marked by political instability and the presence of armed groups.
At the time of this reporting, the status of the journalists detained in Caracas remains unclear. The journalists' union is working to secure their release and ensure their safety. The detentions are likely to further strain relations between Venezuela and international media organizations, as well as raise concerns among human rights groups about the state of press freedom in the country.
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