Venezuela: During Referendum Coverage, National Guards Detain Nicole Gómez Cubillán, Force Reporter to Delete Photos
Women Press Freedom demands authorities provide a clear and public explanation for this unwarranted detention
Location: Venezuela, AnzoáteguiDate: April 21, 2024
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the recent detention of journalist Nicole Gómez Cubillán, a correspondent for El Medio, by the Bolivarian National Guard. While reporting on a referendum, Gómez was detained for roughly thirty minutes, forced to delete her photos and surrender her identity card. We strongly condemn this deplorable act of intimidation and censorship. We call for transparency and an explanation for the unjust denial of access and subsequent detention. It is imperative that authorities protect journalists, uphold democratic values, and refrain from obstructing journalists in the execution of their professional duties.
Nicole Gómez Cubillán, a correspondent for El Medio, was detained by the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) on April 21, 2024, while covering the National Popular Consultation, a nationwide referendum, in Lechería, Venezuela.
The incident occurred at the Doña Menca de Leoni School, a designated voting center, where Gómez was reporting on the electoral process. According to reports, a GNB officer demanded that Gómez delete photographs she had taken at the site and surrender her identity card. Despite her compliance, she was detained for approximately thirty minutes in the school's main hallway.
Gómez described the ordeal, stating, "He informed me that I was not allowed to leave until I erased the images and handed over my ID." After deleting the images, the officer photographed her identity card, further adding to the intimidation tactics used against her.
Following her release, Gómez was reportedly followed to her vehicle by the soldier and a member of the voting table, who then took photographs of her car’s license plate and model. This action has raised significant concerns about her safety and the safety of other journalists working in the region.
Women Press Freedom unequivocally denounces the intimidating conduct of the official and the constraints placed on Nicole Gómez Cubillán's journalistic endeavors. It is crucial to uphold human rights in Venezuela and guarantee that officials adhere to these fundamental principles. The current press freedom situation in Venezuela is alarming and requires immediate regulation and protection. We call upon authorities to safeguard journalists and prioritize their safety as they fulfill their journalistic responsibilities.
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