Venezuela: Journalists detained covering vigil released

Journalists Maryorin Méndez, Miguel Gutiérrez, and Leonardo Fernández have been released after being detained while covering a vigil for political prisoners outside El Helicoide, a notorious detention center in Venezuela. The National College of Journalists (CNP) Caracas confirmed the incident's resolution, emphasizing the need to safeguard the practice of journalism.

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The incident at El Helicoide ends: colleague Maryorin Méndez, photojournalists Miguel Gutiérrez and Leonardo Fernández were released.

Méndez recounted that armed officials from the Sebin intelligence agency arrived suddenly and attempted to seize their equipment. Despite identifying themselves, she and her colleagues were forcibly taken to Sebin facilities. Although no physical assault occurred, Méndez described the experience as "very terrible, very violent" and intimidating.

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Reporting on the street is a legitimate job that should never become a risk.

The detention occurred while the journalists were covering a vigil organized by relatives of political prisoners. The organization Realidad Helicoide had previously reported the arbitrary arrest of three journalists, along with accompanying motorcyclists and a relative of a political prisoner. Following their release, various organizations reiterated concerns about press freedom restrictions in Venezuela.

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While on a very high hill, in a popular and open area, not a security zone, three motorized vehicles with armed Sebin officials arrived violently and tried to take our equipment by force.