(IPYS/IFEX) – On 27 June 2004, journalist Romelia Matute, of the state radio station Radio Nacional de Venezuela, was assaulted while she was reporting on events in the Alto Prado region of southeastern Caracas. The journalist was covering an event organised by the Comando Maisanta, a group set up by President Hugo Chávez’s supporters to […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 27 June 2004, journalist Romelia Matute, of the state radio station Radio Nacional de Venezuela, was assaulted while she was reporting on events in the Alto Prado region of southeastern Caracas.
The journalist was covering an event organised by the Comando Maisanta, a group set up by President Hugo Chávez’s supporters to campaign on his behalf in the lead up to the recall referendum. A group of opposition supporters arrived at the scene to protest the event and a confrontation ensued.
The journalist was insulted and then attacked by local residents who support the opposition. According to León Oliver, of Radio Nacional de Venezuela, the assailants grabbed Matute by the hair, threw her to the ground and began hitting her. An employee from a nearby building who tried to come to the journalist’s aid was also struck and wounded.
Matute was treated by medics who fitted her with a neck brace. The journalist subsequently filed a complaint with the 68th Public Prosecutor’s Office, headed by Alejandro Castillo, who recommended that a number of precautionary measures be implemented to ensure the journalist’s safety.
