Venezuelan opposition denounces increased censorship against the press

The Venezuelan opposition denounced this Monday (18) an increase in censorship exercised by the government, due to the closure of at least 46 seasons radio stations in the last four months, a fact that has been repudiated by groups of journalists.

An alliance of parties, called Plataforma Unitário, condemned in a statement “the mass closure of radio stations in the last four months due to measures taken by the regime of Nicolás Maduro”, which, he assured, violate the right to information and entertainment. The alliance also asked for support from the international community.

“Freedom of expression continues to be violated every day by the State, and this adds to the human rights violations that go unpunished,” he added.

According to reports from the National Workers’ Union (SNTP), the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) closed last week 09 broadcasters in Sucre ( northeast) and in Táchira and Zulia, border regions with Colombia.

Prior to this count, the National College of Journalists of Venezuela (CNP) had reported that the regulatory body had closed 24 radio stations between July and the first two weeks of October.

SNTP sources told Agência EFE yesterday that they are working to verify these reports in order to avoid duplication and offer a consolidated and detailed balance of cases in the coming days.