After Maduro’s capture, the United States: Caracas declares a state of emergency and launches a hunt for journalists
6 January 16:33
Repressions in Venezuela have intensified sharply after the United States detained President Nicolas Maduro. The authorities declared a state of emergency, brought armed paramilitaries to the streets of Caracas, and began mass detentions of journalists, including foreign ones. This was reported by the FT, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
What is known
According to the National Syndicate of Press Workers of Venezuela, at least 14 journalists and media workers were detained, 11 of whom were from foreign media. Four were later released, but the whereabouts and names of the others remain unknown, as their families are afraid to speak publicly about it because of the risk of further persecution.
The state of emergency and the “internal enemy”
The state of emergency decree, dated January 3, obliges security forces to “immediately begin searching for and arresting” all persons whom the authorities deem to be involved in “facilitating or supporting an armed attack by the United States.”
In practice, this meant tighter control on the streets of the capital, checkpoints around Caracas, and checks on citizens’ cell phones. According to human rights activists, the security forces were looking for any signs of approval of the US actions or the fall of the Maduro regime.
The key role in these measures is played by paramilitary forces, which, according to human rights activists, are under the control of Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, one of the most influential figures in the regime.
Rodriguez’s oath and pressure on the media
Most of the detentions of journalists occurred near the National Assembly building on the day that Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president. U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier said that she would lead a transitional government open to cooperation with Washington.
Initially, journalists were allowed to enter the parliament building, but were prohibited from taking photos and videos. Subsequently, access to the National Assembly was denied completely.
A regime built on fear
Repression is not a new phenomenon in Venezuela. During Maduro’s rule, the authorities systematically suppressed protests, persecuted the opposition and independent media. According to the human rights organization Foro Penal, at least 863 political prisoners are still being held in the country.
Since the capture of Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, by the U.S. military, the remnants of the regime have been trying to prevent public displays of joy or support for change – even at the cost of severe pressure on society.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has already declared her readiness for dialogue with the United States and invited Washington to jointly develop a cooperation agenda. At the same time, the actions of the security forces show that in the short term, the government is not focused on reconciliation, but on control and intimidation.
