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July 20, 2006
Chavez Choking Freedom of Speech
Posted by Dave Blount at July 20, 2006 6:31 AM
The Inter American Press Association warns that leftist strongman Hugo Chavez is using courts and legal reforms to choke freedom of the press in Venezuela. Said its President Diana Daniels of the Washington Post Co.:
The different branches of government appear to have a strategy to weaken the work of the independent press. We are worried that, far from improving press conditions in the country, freedom could be further restricted before and after the election.
New laws allow Chavez to close media outlets that violate strict broadcasting norms. Prison sentences for libel and slander have increased. Criminal investigations target journalists on apparently trumped-up charges ranging from libel to homicide to keep the media running scared.
But even if journalists are smelling a rat in Chavez, there's no doubt his special place in Cindy Sheehan's heart is still secure — and if there are any problems with the election in December, he can always get it ratified by Jimmy Carter.
