Arbitrary detentions did not stop with Delcy Rodríguez's rise to power
The exercise of freedom of expression during the year 2025 was maintained under a scheme of structural restrictions that sought to limit public debate and control the flow of information. This is according to the report on the general situation of the right to freedom of expression in Venezuela prepared by the NGO Espacio Público and presented at the Center for Political Studies of the UCAB.
TL;DR
- Freedom of expression in Venezuela remained restricted in 2025, with structural measures limiting public debate and information flow.
- Reported violations decreased in 2025 compared to 2024, but this is attributed to the post-election context of the previous year rather than state efforts to protect rights.
- Intimidation (33.19%) and censorship (26.47%) were the most frequent violations, indicating a state policy to inhibit information and close spaces for public debate.
- Judicial harassment and administrative restrictions were also used to silence criticism, with 44 arbitrary detentions recorded, many involving charges of instigation to hatred.
- The NGO Espacio Público concludes that the legal architecture for censorship remains intact, and calls for legislative reform, full release of detained individuals, repeal of the 'law against hatred,' and unblocking of digital media.
- True justice and peace require not just releases but also individual and public truth, reparation for victims (including return of equipment and rehabilitation), and guarantees of non-repetition.