Venezuelan journalist Yousnel Álvarado, a camera operator with Noticias Digital news, was detained on July 29, 2024, in the western city of Barinas on charges of terrorism and inciting hatred while covering an anti-government protest following the country’s disputed July 28 presidential election, CPJ reported at the time.
Álvarado’s arrest is connected with a broader crackdown on independent journalists under President Nicolás Maduro's government.
Initially held at the National Anti-extortion and Anti-kidnapping Command Center in Barinas, Álvarado was transferred on August 30 to the Tocuyito Penitentiary in Carabobo state, according to press freedom organizations IPYS and Espacio Público. Álvarado was charged with terrorism and inciting hatred during a July 31 online hearing before a special anti-terrorism tribunal. Denied access to private legal representation, he was assigned a public defender and pleaded not guilty, according to IPYS director Marianela Balbi.
As of September 19, 2024, Venezuelan judicial authorities had provided no updates on Álvarado’s status after 50 days of detention, which the National Press Workers Union criticized as a violation of Venezuelan law. Álvarado has not been able to communicate with his family, and concerns over his health remain unanswered.
CPJ calls to the Venezuelan Defense Ministry, which controls the National Guard, went unanswered.