Venezuelan Authorities Detain Journalists Amid Heightened Security Measures

Thu Jan 08 2026 02:34:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a worrying escalation of repression in Venezuela, at least 14 journalists were detained while covering the aftermath of Nicolás Maduro's recent seizure by U.S. forces. Many were released subsequently, but fears of violence and ongoing media restrictions continue to plague the nation.

At least 14 journalists were detained by Venezuelan security forces while covering political events following the U.S. seizure of Nicolás Maduro. While most were released, the union representing media workers condemned the detentions, calling for the release of 23 additional journalists still in custody. The incidents highlight ongoing repression of the press in Venezuela, where armed police patrol the streets, fostering an atmosphere of fear and censorship.

Venezuelan security forces have detained at least 14 journalists during coverages of political events linked to the country's ongoing crisis. The detentions occurred on Monday as foreign media sought to report on the aftermath of the U.S. seizure of Nicolás Maduro, who has faced escalating pressure from both internal and external forces. The union for media workers stated that almost all those detained were employed by foreign news organizations and were released later that day, except for one reporter who was deported.

The media landscape in Venezuela has long been fraught with challenges, as international journalists struggle to secure visas to operate within the country. The timing of these detentions coincides with a significant political shift marked by the swearing-in of Delcy Rodríguez as interim president. Rodríguez expressed her willingness to cooperate with the U.S. administration in a controversial move, which has sparked a heightened presence of armed police around Caracas.

Reports indicate civil unrest and increased military activity, with witnesses describing armed groups patrolling neighborhoods, intensifying fears among residents. As many as 800 political prisoners are currently detained in Venezuela, according to human rights organizations, reflecting a broader pattern of suppression against dissenting voices in the country. Amid the upheaval, journalists continue to face significant risks while trying to uphold press freedom in a climate of fear and oppression.