Venezuelan press union says six journalists remain under judicial proceedings

Venezuela’s National Union of Press Workers says six journalists and media workers remain “under judicial proceedings” and is demanding their full freedom. The union named Jonathan Carrillo, Carlos Julio Rojas, Luis López, Gabriel González, Carlos Correa and Rory Branker.

In a post on X, the SNTP also said dozens of media workers remain in exile, some of them under threat. It called for conditions that would allow those journalists to return safely to Venezuela.

“

remain under judicial proceedings

The union said press freedom should feature in the next round of dialogue between the Venezuelan government and opposition, promoted by the United States and expected in the second half of September. The first round, held from Aug. 6 to Aug. 12, produced agreements on the complete renewal of the Supreme Court and the recovery of international reserve assets held at the Bank of England to assist victims of the June earthquakes.

“

conditions for a safe return

A press representative for opposition delegation leader Dinorah Figuera recently said freedom of expression was expected to be among the next round’s topics. The SNTP has also demanded an end to surveillance and what it calls illegal searches of devices, including phone inspections, cyber-patrolling and the use of private information to pursue opinions or build political cases.

Its broader demands include an end to stigmatization and retaliation over editorial decisions, the unblocking of media and digital platforms, effective access to public information, equal access to media spaces, restoration of the media ecosystem, legal and institutional reform, more plural public media and effective protection for journalists and press workers.

“

a transition and a real democracy