Globovisión spokespersons said the government's actions are in reprisal for the TV station's editorial line, which is known for its opposition to President Chávez's administration.
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 16 June 2010, the Venezuelan president, Hugo Chávez, threatened to seize Globovisión shares belonging to Nelson Mezerhane as part of the government’s intervention in the ownership of the Federal Bank, which belonged to Mezerhane. The threat was broadcast on national radio and TV stations from Caracas.
President Chávez argued that the government would seize the shares to back up payments to the financial institution’s savings account holders. The president also stated that he did not know that Mezerhane was a Globovisión shareholder.
Mezerhane was abroad when the Federal Bank was taken over and has said that he will not return to Venezuela.
Also, on 18 June 2010, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Justice, Tareck El Aissami, said that INTERPOL has issued international arrest warrants for Globovisión’s president, Guillermo Zuloaga Núñez, and his son, Guillermo Zuloaga Siso. Their whereabouts are unknown.
Globovisión spokespersons have stated that these measures are a reprisal for the TV station’s editorial line, which is known for its opposition to President Chávez’s administration.
IPYS will follow the development of this case.
