Venezuelan journalist Rory Branker was detained by Bolivarian National Intelligence Service agents at his home in Caracas in February 2025.
Intelligence agents arrested Branker, an editor and reporter for the private La Patilla digital news site, on Feb. 20. The agents later returned to Branker's home and confiscated three laptop computers and three cellphones.
Branker was missing for more than six months after being held at El Helicoide detention center in Caracas, where many Venezuelan political prisoners are being held, according to Venezuela's National Press Workers Union. His family said they were unable to locate him. In May, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed on his television program that Branker was in custody and accused him of publishing false news.
After 206 days missing, Branker was found on Sept. 15 at a police station in Caracas. His mother, Anna Branker, told the press workers union that she was able to visit Branker and that he was in decent physical condition. On Dec. 8, Branker's family said he was transferred to an undisclosed location and is once again missing.
The arrest of Branker is part of an ongoing crackdown by the authoritarian government of President Nicolás Maduro on independent journalists in the wake of the disputed July 28, 2024, presidential election.
Branker was released on Feb. 4, 2026, but the charges against him remain in place and he continues to face restrictive measures. The journalist has been formally accused of at least five crimes.
The 43-year-old journalist was summoned to appear in court on Feb. 5 and remains formally charged with five crimes, including "financing of terrorism" and "treason," as part of proceedings initiated last year. He is required to report periodically to the authorities, approximately every 30 days, while his case is being reviewed. Branker is also subject to restrictions, including a ban on leaving the country and speaking with the press.