Venezuelan Security Forces Detain Journalists from Foreign News Organisations Amid Political Upheaval

Escalating Tensions: Venezuelan Security Forces Detain Journalists

In a worrying development for press freedom, at least 14 members of the press were recently detained in Venezuela. These detentions occurred as journalists were covering the sensitive aftermath of a significant political event: the reported seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by US forces. This incident underscores the heightened volatility and increasing restrictions faced by media professionals operating within the country.

The union representing media workers in Venezuela quickly clarified the situation, noting that nearly all of those apprehended—all but one individual—were employed by foreign news organisations. While most journalists were released later the same day, one reporter faced immediate deportation. This pattern aligns with long-standing challenges for international media in Venezuela, where obtaining work visas has historically been exceptionally difficult, severely limiting their operational capacity.

The Broader Crackdown: Context and Locations of Detentions

These recent actions byVenezuelan security forces to detain journalists from foreign news organisationsunfolded concurrently with the swearing-in of Delcy Rodríguez as interim president. Her statement expressing willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration, which had previously declared its intent to 'run' Venezuela, added another layer of complexity to the political landscape.

Reports from the media workers' union pinpointed various locations for the detentions, primarily within the capital, Caracas. Journalists were seized at the National Assembly and its surrounding areas, as well as in the Altamira neighbourhood. Specific accounts detail that at least two individuals were apprehended by agents from Venezuela's military counterintelligence agency, while others were taken by the country's intelligence service.

Intrusive Interrogations and Border Incidents

The detained journalists reported unsettling experiences during their custody. According to the union's statement, their equipment was thoroughly searched, phones were checked, and personal social media posts and private messages were scrutinized. This invasive approach highlights a disturbing disregard for journalistic privacy and individual rights.

Beyond Caracas, the crackdown extended to Venezuela's border with Colombia, near Cúcuta, where a Colombian and a Spanish reporter were also detained. These two journalists were held incommunicado for several hours before ultimately being released back into Colombian territory. The union unequivocally labeled these incidents as 'alarming' and renewed its urgent call for the release of 23 other media workers who remain in detention across the nation.

Beyond the Press: A Society Under Surveillance

The repression in Venezuela is not confined solely to media professionals. A chilling atmosphere of fear and surveillance has permeated communities, particularly in Caracas. A community leader from the Petare neighborhood, for instance, described the unnerving presence of 'hooded men with guns patrolling, checking people's WhatsApp statuses,' instilling widespread apprehension.

Residents echo this sentiment. José, a 60-year-old Caracas inhabitant, conveyed the prevailing inability to discuss current events freely due to a heavy presence of police, military personnel, and pro-Maduro armed groups—known as 'colectivos'—who operate openly, often masked. A 33-year-old masseuse, requesting anonymity, starkly summarized the situation: 'so much fear in the streets and in our homes.'

Government's Display of Force and Public Fear

Government officials, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, seemingly sought to project an image of control, with Cabello posting a photo of himself alongside armed police. This public display, however, has only intensified the fear among those critical of the government. One woman articulated this distress, noting 'military people on every corner and groups of armed civilians supporting the government who are causing fear among the population.'

Another anonymous source told the BBC that 'the regime is not allowing news to come out of here,' further adding that 'there are uniformed personnel on the streets stopping people and checking their phones.' These accounts paint a vivid picture of a society living under constant scrutiny and intimidation, where basic freedoms are severely curtailed.

Historical Context: Repression and Political Prisoners

The recent journalist detentions occur during an exceptionally volatile period for Venezuela. Just days prior, the country's leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife were reportedly seized by US forces in a pre-dawn raid that tragically resulted in the deaths of dozens of his bodyguards and security detail. While this development triggered celebrations among Venezuelan expatriates opposed to Maduro, a stark silence prevailed within Venezuela itself, devoid of any public displays of joy.

Opposition Venezuelans have long decried the severe repression faced by anyone daring to speak out against the Maduro government. This history includes over 2,000 arrests during protests following the 2024 presidential election. Despite the government-dominated electoral council declaring Maduro the victor, independent media and opposition tallies suggested an opposition win, leading to a subsequent brutal crackdown.

In the aftermath of that disputed election, security forces systematically checked citizens' phones for messages critical of Maduro, prompting many to erase their social media accounts and message histories. Many arrested during this period received lengthy prison sentences for 'treason.' As of January 5th, pressure group Foro Penal reports a staggering figure of over 800 political prisoners still held in Venezuela, serving as a grim reminder of the ongoing human rights crisis.