On Tuesday 6 January, the Association of Media Publishers of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EditoRed), with which Agence Europe collaborates, expressed its “deep concern” and strongly condemned “the systematic deterioration in the conditions under which journalism is practised in Venezuela”, describing the situation as “an alarming symptom of a wider crisis affecting freedom of expression worldwide”.
“The closure of radio stations, the blocking of digital platforms and the judicial and physical harassment of editors and reporters not only violate the rights of professionals, but also leave citizens defenceless in the face of disinformation and propaganda”, warned EditoRed, which also denounced “the malicious use of technology and the economic stifling of independent media”.
The organisation is demanding that the Venezuelan authorities put an end to the persecution of the media and is calling on the EU and international bodies to “maintain active vigilance” so as “not to normalise the imposed silence”. (MB)