(IPYS/IFEX) – On 21 October 2005, journalists Iralyz Muñoz, of the daily “Nueva Prensa”, Raiza Villa, of “El Diario de Guayana”, and Armando Arevalo, of “Correo del Caroní” newspaper, were denied access to the Uyapar Hospital emergency department by the security guards. The reporters were covering the case of a person who was wounded in […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 21 October 2005, journalists Iralyz Muñoz, of the daily “Nueva Prensa”, Raiza Villa, of “El Diario de Guayana”, and Armando Arevalo, of “Correo del Caroní” newspaper, were denied access to the Uyapar Hospital emergency department by the security guards. The reporters were covering the case of a person who was wounded in an alleged confrontation with the police and who apparently passed away in the hospital. According to the security personnel, the order came from hospital director Osmely Bracho. The incident occurred in Ciudad Guayana, southern Venezuela.
The journalists have had difficulties in their dealings with Bracho in the past, with no justifiable reason. A similar incident occurred on 19 September at Ruiz y Páez Hospital in Ciudad Bolivar, when access was denied to Alejandro Ramírez, a journalist for “El Progreso” newspaper. Ramírez was seeking information on a family that had been injured in a car accident. This is not the first time that journalists covering events involving the police, accidents or violent acts have faced restrictions.
Similarly, some journalists have been prevented from reporting on events in Ciudad Bolívar courthouses. According to journalist Rosendo Magallanes, of the daily “El Progreso”, he has been denied access to the premises of the judiciary since 10 October. The “Nueva Prensa” photographer has also faced similar restrictions.
