Government supporters ransack Venezuelan TV stations
Venezuelan government supporters have reportedly attacked several television stations in an attempt to shut them down over their alleged support for a general strike. Reporters are accusing the government of inciting violence against journalists.
Globovision broadcast images of its ransacked headquarters in the western state of Zulia, claiming Chavez supporters forced their way in, destroying windows, equipment and furniture.Demonstrators also surrounded Radio Caracas Television, Venevision, Televen and CMT in Caracas, as well as a regional television stations in the cities of Maracay, Merida, Maracaibo and Barquisimeto. They also protested against a newspaper in Maracay.
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Globovision television and other private news media said Tuesday they would protest the intimidation to the OAS’ Inter-American Human Rights Commission. The commission has urged Chavez to guarantee the security of Venezuelan media in the past.
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On Sunday, Chavez accused Venezuela’s media of waging a “terrorist and bloody” war against his government. Last week, some newspapers didn’t publish for two days out of solidarity with the strike.
Journalists accuse Chavez of inciting violence against reporters. In Maracay, armed Chavez activists assaulted at least seven journalists covering the strike, El Siglo newspaper reported.
– AP, Chavez supporters beset TV stations.