Press Union Denounces Attack on Journalist, Cites Restrictions at Venezuela Dialogue

The National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) has formally denounced an assault against journalist Deisy Martínez of Efecto Cocuyo, which occurred during the coverage of a political dialogue session. The incident, involving unidentified men on motorcycles, saw Martínez's phone searched and images deleted, with her press credentials photographed.

Representatives from the SNTP met with a delegation of deputies from the National Assembly elected in 2015. During this meeting, the union presented a comprehensive report diagnosing the current state of freedom of expression in Venezuela. They also outlined an agenda of actions aimed at strengthening guarantees for journalistic work, the right to information, and press freedom.

In addition to the assault, the SNTP also raised concerns about the restrictions imposed on media access to the dialogue event. Initially, media were invited, but the conditions were later altered, allowing only photographers inside while barring other journalists and audiovisual teams. The union is demanding transparency and unrestricted access for journalists to all activities related to the political dialogue process.

The SNTP stressed the importance of ensuring transparency and timely, free, and non-discriminatory access for journalists and media outlets to events connected to the dialogue. These proposals are part of a broader agenda the union has presented to various political actors and forums, including the Program for Peace and Coexistence.