(IPYS/IFEX) – The community radio programme Responda, Mundial pregunta, which was broadcast daily on the state run radio station YVKE Mundial, was suspended on 18 May 2001. The reasons for the programme being taken off the air were not given. Fernando Silva, journalist and host of the radio programme that aired every night at 6:00 […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – The community radio programme Responda, Mundial pregunta, which was broadcast daily on the state run radio station YVKE Mundial, was suspended on 18 May 2001. The reasons for the programme being taken off the air were not given.
Fernando Silva, journalist and host of the radio programme that aired every night at 6:00 p.m. (local time), stated that circuit President Gloria Araujo cited “orders from above” upon notifying him of the suspension.
Silva, who held a press conference on 21 May to condemn the decision, told IPYS that the real reason for the suspension was in response to reports on his programme about alleged irregularities in hiring by the Caracas mayor, former minister Alfredo Peña.
The Venezuelan evening newspaper “Tal Cual” reported on the decision, noting the disturbing nature of such a grave retaliation against freedom of expression. “This type of action has raised serious concern and this newspaper will remain watchful of the case’s development,” the newspaper reported.
Silva will denounce the programme’s suspension to the National Journalists’ College (Colegio Nacional de Periodistas) and other institutions that defend human rights.
Recommended Action
Send letters of support to:
Fernando Silva
Fax: +58 212 762 06 97
Send protest letters to the YVKE Mundial Radio Station Board of Directors:
Gloria Araujo
Director
Tel/fax: +58 212 993 22 67
E-mail: prensayvke@cantv.net
Send appeals to the minister of internal and justice affairs:
-protesting the suspension and asking him to provide an appropriate explanation, given the fact that the station’s director reports to him directly
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:
Dr. Luis Miquilena
Minister of Interior and Justice
Tel: +58 212 564 97 81
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
