Venezuela: Limit State Control of Media
Letter to President Chávez

Source: Human Rights Watch
Washington, July 1, 2003


President Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías
President of the República Bolivariana de Venezuela
Palacio de Miraflores
Urdenetta
Caracas 1010
Venezuela

Dear Mr. President:
I am writing to reiterate my concerns regarding ongoing threats to freedom of the press in Venezuela.

First of all, however, I’d like you to know that I’m very pleased that after months of negotiations your government has reached an agreement with the opposition on a mechanism to manage the current political crisis. That it was possible to reach a consensus to address Venezuela’s political disagreements within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law is an important achievement.

The main purpose of this letter, however, is to urge you to take steps to address serious threats to freedom of the press in Venezuela. Under your government, I would emphasize, the press has enjoyed considerable freedom. Indeed, as part of the often heated and acrimonious debate between supporters of the government and its opponents, the press has been able to express strong views without restriction. Although we fully acknowledge your government’s lack of censorship, Human Rights Watch is concerned that many journalists working for media that support the opposition have been victims of aggression and intimidation by your government’s supporters.

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