Venezuelan photographer Ronaldo Schemidt has been recognized internationally for his powerful documentation of the country’s ongoing crisis. His work, including the 2018 World Press Photo of the Year, offers a stark visual record of the political and economic turmoil that has gripped Venezuela in recent years.
Schemidt’s winning photograph, taken in May 2017 during protests against President Nicolás Maduro, depicts José Víctor Salazar Balza engulfed in flames amidst violent clashes with riot police in Caracas. Salazar was set alight when a gas tank from a motorbike exploded, sustaining first- and second-degree burns but ultimately surviving the incident. The image captured a moment of intense conflict stemming from Maduro’s plans to revise Venezuela’s democratic system by forming a constituent assembly, effectively consolidating legislative powers.
The crisis in Venezuela, which has unfolded over the past five years, is characterized by widespread shortages of food and medicine, hyperinflation, escalating crime rates and a collapse of basic services. These conditions have triggered mass protests and an unprecedented exodus of over 10% of the Venezuelan population, according to reports accompanying an AFP exhibition detailing the crisis.
Schemidt, who has worked with Agence France-Presse since 2004 and was based in Mexico City from 2006, has consistently documented the escalating tensions within Venezuela. His work extends beyond single images, encompassing both photography and video that chronicle the country’s descent into turmoil. He won the 2018 World Press Photo of the Year award, as well as the first prize in the spot news singles category for the same photograph.
The impact of Schemidt’s work extends beyond awards and exhibitions. His photographs have been featured in collective exhibitions, including one focused on Afghanistan and another on the situation in Gaza, highlighting the interconnectedness of global conflicts and humanitarian crises. The World Press Photo organization has also partnered with schools in France to engage students with the images, asking them to select a photograph that best represents the world today. This year, students selected a photograph by Christopher Grir depicting polar bears scavenging for food in a Russian landfill, drawing parallels between environmental degradation and the struggles for survival.
The AFP, a global news agency with 2,400 staff members from 80 nationalities operating in 151 countries, continues to provide comprehensive coverage of the Venezuelan crisis, alongside other major global events. The agency’s reporting spans video, text, photo, multimedia, and infographics, delivered in six languages, 24 hours a day.
On January 9, 2026, reports emerged of Maduro’s capture by US troops, leading to the release of political prisoners, including several foreigners. But, concerns remain among Venezuelans that the change in leadership may not fundamentally alter the country’s deeply entrenched problems, with some fearing a continuation of authoritarian practices. The long-term implications of Maduro’s capture and the future of Venezuela remain uncertain.
