The Rapporteurs on freedom of expression of the United Nations and the Inter-American System, Pedro Vaca Villarreal and Irene Khan have gathered within the framework of the event “Freedom of Expression in Venezuela. State of the situation and lines of action”, held on August 2, 2022, to reflect on the current situation in Venezuela and recognize the growing need for commitment and action to fully guarantee the right to freedom of expression in the country.
“The use of criminal law once morest the media is of particular concern, including crimes of treason or terrorism, and the repeated application of the 2017 Law once morest Hate. This Law establishes fines and up to 20 years in prison,” the statement noted.
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In this sense, they condemned the attacks once morest the independent press and urged the Venezuelan authorities to respect the right to freedom of expression, in particular of those who contribute with their work to strengthening public deliberation and freedom of expression, such as journalists. and media workers.
“We express our particular concern regarding the situation of women journalists who must also face structural obstacles in their exercise of freedom of expression, including gender violence.”
Likewise, the rapporteurs agreed to monitor restrictions on freedom of expression; monitor the impact of the regulatory framework in this area; strengthen the media; and use international mechanisms to protect the Venezuelan press.
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