Journalist detained, intimidated by officials in Venezuela while reporting on elevator issues

Journalist Yandris Saldivia, working for the digital outlet Crónica Uno, was detained and intimidated by officials from Corpocapital at the Parque Central complex in Caracas. The incident occurred on July 15 as Saldivia was gathering testimonies from residents about persistent elevator failures and the deteriorating service in the residential towers.

The National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) reported that Corpocapital employees intercepted Saldivia and forced her into an administrative office. She was held for two hours, with officials claiming they had to wait for a higher-ranking director. During her detention, Saldivia was prohibited from moving freely through common areas without direct supervision by a corporate official.

Further escalating the situation, Corpocapital employees took photographs of the journalist and shared her personal data in a WhatsApp group, according to the SNTP. The union strongly condemned this arbitrary procedure, labeling it a direct attack on citizens' constitutional rights to freedom of movement, work, and the free exercise of journalism.

The SNTP issued a public statement emphasizing that collecting community complaints and reporting on public services are fundamental aspects of citizens' right to information and freedom of expression. The union reminded state institutions and public property administrators of their legal obligation to respect the work of communication professionals and not to impose bureaucratic criteria on their reporting.