NGO Espacio Público registers 29 detentions of press workers so far in 2026: 'Most were short-lived'
The Venezuelan NGO Espacio Público reported this Wednesday that between January and April of this year it documented 29 detentions of journalists or infocitizens, which represents 65% of all arrests recorded during 2025, when it registered 44. 'Most detentions were short-lived, in fact, but they occurred in the context of street mobilizations, coverage of demonstrations,' indicated Marysabel Rodríguez, sociologist and member of the NGO, during the presentation of the annual report in Caracas.
TL;DR
- Espacio Público documented 29 detentions of journalists or infocitizens between January and April 2026.
- This figure is 65% of the total arrests recorded in 2025 (44).
- Most detentions were short-lived and occurred during street mobilizations or protest coverage.
- Out of 29 detained, 22 were journalists, six were infocitizens/activists, and one was a public worker.
- Six arrestees were accused of inciting hatred, and four were detained for online expressions.
- Espacio Público registered 91 violations of freedom of expression in the first four months of 2026, a 16% decrease from the same period in 2025.
- Despite fewer reported violations, the NGO noted increased violence surrounding these cases.
- Patterns of intimidation, censorship, and judicial harassment documented in 2025 persist.
- Judicial persecution continues, with no signs of reversal despite an Amnesty Law and political prisoner releases.