New York, March 30, 2005—Journalists in Venezuela have no reason to fear physical retaliation for their work, a senior government official said in a letter to the Committee to Protect Journalists, but he continued to suggest that some members of the press are spreading U.S. propaganda. Andrés Izarra, the minister of information and communication, publicly…
Overview by Carlos Lauría Journalists throughout the Americas came under increased attack in 2004 for reporting on political corruption, drug trafficking, and organized crime. Although democratic rights have been expanding in the region, press freedom has not always improved as a result.
United States In 2004, U.S. prosecutors and judges showed a new and alarming willingness to compel reporters to reveal confidential sources. Prosecutors in several high-profile cases insisted that journalists name their sources, and judges backed up the demands by ordering reporters to testify or face fines and imprisonment.
Venezuela Several worrying legal developments in Venezuela curtailed press freedom in 2004. In particular, a new broadcast media law could be used to restrict news coverage critical of the government. Conflict between President Hugo Chávez Frías and the private media continued in 2004. Soon after Chávez was elected in 1998 on promises of a “democratic…
New York, February 23, 2005—The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned that recent statements by Venezuela’s minister of information accusing British journalist Phil Gunson, as well as other foreign and local journalists, of working at the behest of the U.S. government may endanger their physical safety. The accusations followed weeks of heightened tensions between the…
New York, February 2, 2005—The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned about the prosecution of journalist Patricia Poleo on charges of illegally obtaining and disclosing sealed case documents and violating anticorruption legislation. The Attorney General’s Office announced Monday that Poleo would be prosecuted for publicizing confidential information in the investigation into the November 2004…
JANUARY 31, 2005 Posted: February 4, 2005 Patricia Poleo, El Nuevo País LEGAL ACTION The Attorney General’s Office announced that Poleo, a columnist and director of the Caracas daily El Nuevo País, would be prosecuted on charges of illegally obtaining and disclosing sealed case documents and violating anticorruption legislation. Poleo was accused of publicizing confidential…
JANUARY 14, 2005 Posted: February 2, 2005 Daniel Ortiz Millán, “En Positivo” ATTACKED, THREATENED Ortiz, a radio host with the Geomar 105.1 FM station in the city of Punta de Mata, in the eastern state of Monagas, was attacked by supporters of the local mayor after he discussed an electoral dispute on the air. He…