(IPYS/IFEX) – On 10 October 2003, photojournalist Luis Gil, of “El Diario de Caracas” newspaper, was verbally abused and his camera and press credentials were confiscated while he was reporting on an event at a Caracas restaurant. Gil told IPYS that he was at the restaurant covering an inspection by representatives of the national customs […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 10 October 2003, photojournalist Luis Gil, of “El Diario de Caracas” newspaper, was verbally abused and his camera and press credentials were confiscated while he was reporting on an event at a Caracas restaurant.
Gil told IPYS that he was at the restaurant covering an inspection by representatives of the national customs and tax collection service (Servicio Nacional Integrado de Administración Aduanera y Tributaria, SENIAT).
The inspection was headed by Internal Taxation Inspector Noel González and SENIAT attorneys Isabel Figueira and Lourdes Moro. Attorney David Palis, of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, was also present.
The restaurant owner was angered by the fact that Gil took a photograph of the proceedings, and began to verbally abuse the photojournalist. He also tried to punch Gil and failed.
Attorney Palis confiscated Gil’s camera and press credentials, which identified him as an “El Diario de Caracas” journalist. The attorney also told Gil that he would face legal action and that police experts would examine his camera.
Gil was then thrown out of the restaurant by the owner, who told him that he did not want any members of the press there during the inspection. Gil said that he took the photograph for his report on the event.
Lawyer and human rights specialist Yuby Cisneros informed IPYS that there is no provision in the Venezuelan Criminal Code that would prohibit the journalist from photographing the inspection.
Information on the restaurant inspection was subsequently published on the SENIAT web site, which suggests that it was a public matter and therefore there was no justification for restricting a journalist from reporting on the event.
Gil’s camera was returned to him after three days, although the film was confiscated. The photojournalist’s press credentials were also returned to him.
