Venezuelan law enforcement apprehends reporters from international news agencies

On Monday, at least 14 journalists were apprehended in Venezuela while they reported on the consequences of the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.

The union of media professionals in Venezuela reported that all but one of the detained personnel were affiliated with international news agencies and were subsequently released on the same day, with one journalist being deported.

Foreign news outlets have historically encountered limitations within Venezuela, with very few receiving authorization to operate there.

Their arrests coincided with Delcy Rodríguez being inaugurated as the interim president and shortly after she expressed her willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration, which has stated its intention to “manage” Venezuela.

According to the union, the media personnel were detained by Venezuelan security forces at the vicinity of the National Assembly and in the Altamira neighborhood—all located in Caracas.

At least two journalists were taken by agents from Venezuela’s military intelligence service, while others were apprehended by the country’s intelligence agency.

They reported being subjected to equipment searches, having their phones inspected, and their social media content scrutinized, as stated by the union’s announcement.

Additionally, a Colombian and a Spanish journalist were taken near the border with Colombia close to Cúcuta.

The two journalists were held for several hours without communication before being returned to Colombia, according to the statement.

The union described the occurrences as “disturbing” and demanded the liberation of the 23 journalists still in custody in the nation.

The oppression has extended beyond media personnel.

A community leader from the Petare neighborhood in Caracas informed BBC Mundo that there were “hooded individuals armed with guns surveilling and monitoring people’s WhatsApp statuses”.

José, a 60-year-old Caracas inhabitant, remarked that individuals were unable to freely converse about current events due to the significant police and military presence, along with pro-Maduro armed factions known as “colectivos” wearing masks.

A 33-year-old massage therapist, who preferred anonymity, stated there was “immense fear permeating the streets and our homes”.

Government officials seemed eager to display the presence of security forces in neighborhoods, with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello sharing a photo of himself on Monday evening with armed police.

This presence has instilled fear among those critical of the administration.

One woman recounted that there are “military personnel at every corner and groups of armed civilians supporting the government, instilling fear in the population”.

Another individual, who wished to remain nameless, disclosed to the BBC that “the regime is preventing news from getting out of here.” They elaborated that “there are uniformed forces on the streets stopping individuals and inspecting their phones”.

The apprehensions of journalists occur during a turbulent period in Venezuela, following the recent capture of the nation’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his spouse by U.S. military forces in a dawn operation that resulted in the deaths of many of his security team and bodyguards.

While this capturing sparked celebrations among Venezuelans opposed to Maduro who have left the nation, there were no visible celebrations within Venezuela itself.

Those opposing Maduro have long denounced the oppression they experience for articulating dissent against the government.

Over 2,000 individuals were apprehended during protests following the 2024 presidential election.

The electoral council, dominated by the government, declared Maduro the victor of the election, but voting data gathered by the opposition and validated by independent media indicate that the opposition candidate actually won.

In the ensuing crackdown, security forces scrutinized individuals’ phones for critical messages regarding Maduro, leading many Venezuelans to delete their social media accounts and message histories.

A considerable number of those detained during this period received severe prison sentences for charges of “treason”.

According to the advocacy group Foro Penal, as of January 5, there are over 800 political prisoners incarcerated in Venezuela.