Hospital security blocked journalist covering earthquake aid, press union reports

The National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) has denounced an incident where security personnel at the J. M. de los Ríos Children's Hospital in Caracas allegedly hindered a journalist's work. The journalist, Reinaldo Mozo, was attempting to cover the arrival of humanitarian aid intended for those affected by recent earthquakes.

The obstruction occurred on Saturday as Mozo, from Efecto Cocuyo, was outside the hospital filming the delivery of donations from volunteer groups. According to the SNTP's official report, a security guard approached Mozo, covered his phone's camera with his hand, and demanded that he cease recording.

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Mozo was recording, from outside the health center, the arrival of aid and donations delivered by volunteers, when a guard approached, covered the phone with his hand and forced him to interrupt the recording.

The SNTP emphasized that journalistic work in public spaces does not require prior authorization and that impeding such coverage infringes upon the fundamental right to information. This incident is part of a pattern of difficulties faced by media workers who are trying to document the ongoing crisis and the distribution of essential supplies in areas impacted by the recent seismic events in the Venezuelan capital.

This event underscores the challenges journalists encounter while attempting to report on critical situations, particularly concerning the distribution of aid in emergency contexts. The SNTP's statement highlights the importance of unimpeded access for the press to ensure transparency and inform the public during times of crisis.

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We remind you that journalistic work in public spaces does not require prior authorization. Hindering or limiting coverage violates the right to information.