CPJ calls for immediate release of 3 imprisoned Venezuelan journalists

The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Venezuelan authorities to immediately and unconditionally release journalists Rory Branker, Nakary Mena Ramos, and Gianni González, drop all charges against them, and ensure that journalists in Venezuela can work freely and without fear of retaliation.

“Pervasive attempts to silence critical voices under Venezuela’s Chavez and Maduro regimes must end as interim President Delcy Rodríguez takes control of the country,” said CPJ Américas Regional Director Jose Zamora. “Rodríguez should immediately release all imprisoned journalists, end the use of arbitrary and temporary detentions, and provide the legal and security guarantees necessary for journalists to report freely, independently, and without fear of reprisal.”

Upon claiming victory in a disputed July 28, 2024 election, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro launched a media crackdown that saw journalists detained and jailed, among other tactics to obstruct their reporting, including:

• Rory Branker, a journalist with the news website La Patilla, was detained by Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) agents and taken to El Helicoide detention center in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, on February 20, La Patilla reported.
• Impacto Venezuela journalist Nakary Mena Ramos and her husband, camera operator Gianni González, were arrested in connection with Mena’s reporting on rising crime in Caracas on April 11, 2025. A criminal court ordered Mena held on preliminary charges including “hate crimes” and “publishing fake news,” while González remains detained at El Rodeo II prison. Both were initially denied access to private legal counsel.

Maduro was removed from power during a U.S. military raid on January 3 and transported to the United States to face charges of  narco-terrorism. His wife, Cilia Flores, also faces charges. Outlets reported that at least 20 journalists and media workers were detained for hours and five were deported while covering the inauguration of interim President Delcy Rodríguez at the country’s National Assembly, in surrounding areas, in the Altamira neighborhood of Caracas and border between Colombia and Venezuela.

CPJ’s requests for comment to Venezuela’s Interior Ministry did not receive an immediate response.