Journalist released on parole

Updated: April 12, 2006
Original Alert: March 6, 2006

Gustavo Azócar, Televisora del Táchira
IMPRISONED

After being held at a maximum security prison in San Cristóbal for two weeks, Azócar was released on parole on March 22. Azócar may continue to host his television program “Café con Azócar” on Televisora del Táchira and write for the Caracas-based daily El Universal, but he is forbidden from leaving the country or publicly commenting on his case.

Azócar was arrested on March 6 and charged with illegal acquisition of wealth and fraud. The state prosecutor accused him of irregularities in the assignment of advertising in a contract signed with the state lottery in 2000 while Azócar was working for Radio Noticias 1060, a private radio station.

Azócar has been openly critical of the local and national governments. According to the Táchira state police, the arrest had nothing to do with his journalistic work.

For more information on Azócar’s case, see the March 6 alert.