Journalists and residents report detentions and armed patrols in Caracas

BBC
BBC
3h ago
Venezuelan security forces detained at least 14 press members in Caracas and at the Colombia border as residents reported armed patrols, phone checks, and fear in the streets.
Journalists and residents report detentions and armed patrols in Caracas
A What happened
At least 14 members of the press were detained in Venezuela on Monday while covering the aftermath of Nicolás Maduro being seized by US forces. The media workers’ union said all but one were released later on Monday, with one reporter deported, and said some were held by military counterintelligence and intelligence services. Residents and community figures in Caracas reported hooded armed men patrolling, people being stopped and having phones checked, and widespread fear. The union called for the release of 23 media workers who remain in detention in Venezuela.

Key insights

  • 1

    Detentions included searches of devices and messages: The media workers’ union said detained journalists had equipment searched, phones checked, and social media posts and messages read.

  • 2

    Residents reported street-level surveillance and intimidation: Residents and a community leader reported armed patrols, phone checks, and fear in Caracas, including masked colectivos and hooded men checking WhatsApp statuses.

  • 3

    The media workers’ union sought release of additional detainees: The union called the incidents alarming and called for the release of 23 media workers who remain in detention in Venezuela.

Takeaways

Journalists and residents reported detentions, armed patrols, and phone checks in Venezuela as Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president and the union said 23 media workers remained detained.

Topics

World & Politics International Affairs Human Rights Law & Public Safety Law Enforcement

Read the full article on BBC

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