Press Union Denounces Ban on International Journalists in Venezuela's La Guaira

Venezuela's National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) has condemned a government decision to suspend international press access to La Guaira state for 48 hours. The state has been heavily impacted by recent earthquakes.

The Ministry of Communication cited "sanitary reasons and to reduce noise during rescue operations" as the justification for the restriction. These operations are ongoing in various sectors of the coastal state, which is grappling with the aftermath of the seismic activity.

The SNTP expressed solidarity with journalists covering the emergency despite access and mobility challenges. Many reporters have used their own means to reach affected areas, documenting rescue efforts, the needs of victims, and the flow of humanitarian aid.

The union cautioned that limiting journalistic work during a major emergency can worsen the humanitarian situation. "Impeding on-the-ground reporting does not resolve the emergency," the SNTP stated. "As hours pass, the sanitary situation can worsen, and the country needs verified and timely information, especially for the victims' families."

Concerns have been raised by press freedom organizations and foreign correspondents, who emphasize the importance of direct access to affected zones to verify information and document rescue conditions. Reports of controls and restrictions on journalists entering disaster-stricken areas of La Guaira had already surfaced in recent days.