(IPYS/IFEX) – On 3 December 2006, journalist Heyra Zerpa and cameraman Carlos Idogro, both from the private television company Globovisión, were assaulted by a group of government supporters who were trying to stop the reporters from covering the closing of the presidential election polls in an area in Bolívar state, southern Venezuela. Zerpa told IPYS […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 3 December 2006, journalist Heyra Zerpa and cameraman Carlos Idogro, both from the private television company Globovisión, were assaulted by a group of government supporters who were trying to stop the reporters from covering the closing of the presidential election polls in an area in Bolívar state, southern Venezuela.
Zerpa told IPYS that she had received a telephone call telling her that in a certain area a group of people were being disruptive as the polls were closing. She went there with her cameraman and both of them were insulted by the assailants, who also demanded that they leave. According to the journalist, union leader José Gil instigated the assault against them. Both reporters were slightly injured.
IPYS has issued eight alerts regarding incidents involving Globovisión during this year (see IFEX alerts of 27, 22, 17, 10 and 6 November, 6 and 5 October 2006, and others). Those involved in the harassment include military personnel, the judiciary and the attorney general’s office. These incidents point to the existence of a policy of harassment of this media outlet, which opposes the government. IPYS condemns this pattern of harassment since it restricts press freedom.
