(IPYS/IFEX) – Journalist Gustavo Rodríguez, of the Caracas-based daily “El Universal”, is facing charges for “defamation” and “insult”, filed against him by Luis Alberto Mosquera Ciano, an advisor to Sucre District Mayor José Vicente Rangel Ávalo. In June 2003, during a demonstration called “El Petarazo” that was organised by the opposition, Mayor Rangel Ávalos spoke […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – Journalist Gustavo Rodríguez, of the Caracas-based daily “El Universal”, is facing charges for “defamation” and “insult”, filed against him by Luis Alberto Mosquera Ciano, an advisor to Sucre District Mayor José Vicente Rangel Ávalo.
In June 2003, during a demonstration called “El Petarazo” that was organised by the opposition, Mayor Rangel Ávalos spoke to the press about events in the region. He was accompanied by Mosquera Ciano during the press conference.
Subsequently, an article by Rodríguez on the event mentioned that Mosquera Ciano had a police record for his role in the hijacking of a Venezuelan AEROPOSTAL airlines plane, and for other cases involving attacks on banks and armoured vehicles.
As a result, Mosquera Ciano launched a complaint with the 11th Tribunal, accusing Rodríguez of “defamation” and “insult”. The mayor’s advisor claims the journalist’s article about him damaged his honour and reputation.
After having received citations from Judge Juvenal Barreto, Rodríguez is preparing his defence with his lawyers. According to Rodríguez, the legal action is nothing more than an intimidation tactic against him for his work as a journalist.
