National Guard blocks press access in Catia La Mar two months after earthquakes

National Guard forces on Monday blocked press access to sectors of Catia La Mar, in Venezuela's La Guaira state. The restriction comes exactly two months after earthquakes shook the country on June 24.

According to reports from the Vente Venezuela organization and local journalists, the security blockade was established in front of the Hugo Chávez housing complex. This measure affected the movement of journalists and residents toward the affected areas. Officials stated that the restrictions prevented civilians and media from accessing the Belo Horizonte building and the entire Playa Grande zone.

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We are a press team documenting the situation. We want to reach Playa Grande, but National Guard officers, specifically Commander Mata, have informed us that they are not authorizing access for the press or any media outlet.

Journalist Luis Gonzalo Pérez, who was attempting to cover and inspect the situation for the journalistic project Inquebrantables, was among those denied entry. "We are a press team documenting the situation. We want to reach Playa Grande, but National Guard officers, specifically Commander Mata, have informed us that they are not authorizing access for the press or any media outlet," Pérez denounced. He added, "We want to make a public complaint that we cannot do our work. We are providing proof of this and want to escalate the complaint."

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We want to make a public complaint that we cannot do our work. We are providing proof of this and want to escalate the complaint.