Overview
- At least 14 journalists and media workers were detained in Caracas on January 5 while covering Delcy Rodríguez’s inauguration, with most affiliated with foreign outlets.
- Thirteen detainees were released the same day without being brought before judicial authorities, and one was deported, identified by Espacio Público as CNN’s Stefano Pozzebon.
- Press workers’ accounts say security forces searched equipment, compelled phone unlocks, and reviewed calls, messages and social media activity.
- Detentions occurred inside and around the National Assembly and in Altamira, with a separate January 4 incident in which SEBIN held two reporters near the Colombia border and deleted material.
- CPJ condemned the actions as intimidation and urged guarantees for safe reporting, noting that journalists Nakary Mena Ramos, Gianni González and Rory Branker remain imprisoned.