Escalating Crackdown: Venezuelan Security Forces Detain Journalists Amid Unrest

Thu Jan 08 2026 01:59:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a troubling display of oppression, Venezuelan security forces detained at least 14 journalists on Monday as armed police patrolled the capital amidst the controversial swearing-in of interim president Delcy Rodríguez. The incident highlights the ongoing crackdown on press freedoms and civil liberties in Venezuela.

On Monday, Venezuelan security forces detained at least 14 journalists, primarily from foreign news organizations, during heightened tensions following the swearing-in of Delcy Rodríguez as interim president. Despite most journalists being released soon after, one reporter was deported. This crackdown occurs against a backdrop of increasing repression within the country, where the presence of armed police and military patrols has instilled fear among the citizens and stifled freedom of expression.

At least 14 members of the press were detained in Venezuela on Monday as they were covering the aftermath of the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by US forces. The union representing media workers in Venezuela confirmed that all but one of the detained were employed by foreign news organizations and were released later on Monday, with one reporter deported.

Foreign news media have long faced restrictions in Venezuela, with very few being granted visas to work in the country. Their detention unfolded as Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president, shortly after she expressed willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration, which poised to influence Venezuela.

The journalists were apprehended by Venezuelan security forces near the National Assembly and in Caracas neighborhoods, including Altamira. Some were detained by the military counterintelligence agency and others by the country's intelligence service. Reports indicate that they had their equipment searched, and social media activities were scrutinized.

The situation worsened as two additional reporters were detained near the Colombia-Venezuela border, held incommunicado for hours before release. The union characterized these events as alarming and urged the immediate release of 23 media workers still imprisoned in the country.

In Caracas, community leaders have reported seeing armed men patrolling, enforcing compliance among residents through intimidation. Witnesses describe a heavy military presence in the streets, creating an atmosphere of fear that inhibits open discourse about government actions. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello showcased security forces in a social media post, supporting the government's narrative of control.

This crackdown is compounded by the volatile political landscape in Venezuela, with recent events surrounding Maduro's questionable election victory in 2024 escalating tensions. The resultant wave of repression has led to over 2,000 arrests associated with dissent, with numerous individuals sentenced for treason amid an environment of surveillance and fear.

Currently, more than 800 political prisoners are reported to be held in Venezuela as of January 5. The union's ongoing efforts to advocate for press freedom and highlight the oppressive measures taken against reporters underline the dire state of journalism and civil rights in the nation.