The Association of Journalists Venezuelans in Spain (Venezuelan Press) calls for the support of Spanish society and authorities to achieve the immediate release of “political prisoners” and guarantees that ensure a free exercise of the informative profession as the foundations of an effective and full democracy in their country.
“Despite censorship and the closure of media outlets in Venezuela for almost three decades, we Venezuelan journalists have remained unwavering in our purpose of denouncing the reality and the crimes of the Chavista and Maduro regime,” they say in a statement published this Wednesday, following the US military intervention in the South American country.
In this line, information professionals address Spanish society, colleagues in the press, and political authorities in this “historic moment”, given the “vital importance” of Spain as a bridge between Europe and Latin America, an informational reference for those who share the same language.
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And they ask for their support to achieve the “immediate and total” freedom of people imprisoned in Venezuela for “thinking differently” from the official discourse, as any process of opening towards democracy must begin in this way. “There will be no democracy while there are civilians and military personnel persecuted, threatened and imprisoned for dissenting,” argues Venezuelan Press.
They also call for an end to the “persecution” of journalists so that they can work with “security,” and for the immediate release of reporters and other press workers who remain detained.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the safety and defense of our colleagues in Venezuela, whose intimidation and persecution has intensified following the events of January 3, 2026,” says the note in reference to the American operation, the arrest and transfer of Nicolás Maduro to the U.S. accused of drug trafficking and other crimes.
The association emphasizes the “restoration” of the free exercise of journalism: “It is imperative that the rights of expression and information, enshrined in the Constitution of Venezuela (…), repeatedly violated since its entry into force, be restored. Venezuelans have the right to have a free press and universal access to digital portals.”
To achieve these goals, they appeal to Spain as an informational “refuge and bridge”: “We recognize Spain as an allied society and a space with the freedom of expression that is denied to us in our land. Our work in exile is to serve as a strategic channel for the Spanish media, offering verified information, expert analysis, and testimonies that favor the understanding of the Venezuelan crisis.”
And they advocate for a profession focused “on facts, not ideologies”, with the “essential” informational balance. “The Venezuelan tragedy transcends ideological discourse, it must be based on the reflection of reality and respect for the will of Venezuelans already expressed at the polls,” points out Venezuelan Press.
The association is shown as “active and committed to the reconstruction of Venezuela”, and to achieve this, the “full restoration” of the rule of law and democratic guarantees that allow a “safe return” of Venezuelans from the diaspora is essential.
