In an alarming development, Álvaro Nieto, director of the Spanish media THE OBJECTIVE , was expelled from Venezuela without an official explanation. The journalist had traveled to Caracas to cover the political situation after the presidential elections, but his presence was considered unwanted by the Venezuelan authorities, who subjected him to two hours of interrogation before deporting him to Spain.
Nieto was not physically abused during his detention, but the lack of explanations and the denial of his right to communicate with the Spanish embassy show a worrying pattern. The staff of the Estelar/Iberojet airline showed support for Nieto, contrasting with the attitude of the Venezuelan authorities.
The fact that Venezuelan authorities attempted to delay the flight to deport him without apparent cause underlines the lack of transparency and the use of power to silence critical voices.
Nieto’s expulsion is not an isolated case. Repression of the press in Venezuela has intensified, especially towards those who criticize Nicolás Maduro’s regime. The previous week, a Popular Party delegation was also expelled, and at least 15 deportations of international journalists have been recorded amid recent popular protests.
Among the deported journalists is Cake Minuesa , a Spanish reporter known for his critical coverage of the situation in Venezuela. Minuesa was detained along with his team while they were trying to report on the demonstrations in Caracas. Despite not being formally charged, they were escorted to the airport and forced to leave the country.
Other affected journalists include Roland Carreño , a Venezuelan journalist who also serves as an advisor to the political party Voluntad Popular . Carreño was arrested without a warrant and prevented from communicating with his attorneys for several days. In addition, Chilean National Television reported the disappearance of two of its journalists, who had traveled to Venezuela to cover the elections and the subsequent protests. In the last week there have been at least 17 deaths and 1,200 detainees
The case of Álvaro Nieto and the other deported journalists illustrates how press freedom is being critically threatened in Venezuela. The repression of journalists who try to report on the situation in the country reflects a regime that fears the power of information and the media’s ability to influence public opinion.
Nieto’s expulsion could be linked to his previous work, such as the book Conexión Caracas-Moncloa , which exposes the links between the Maduro regime and the Spanish government of Pedro Sánchez. This tense relationship has led Venezuelan authorities to view Nieto as a threat, choosing to eliminate his presence in the country to avoid any negative coverage.
The incident has generated international criticism and drawn attention to the human rights situation in Venezuela. The lack of response from the Spanish Government to Nieto’s situation highlights the need for a stronger stance in defense of press freedom and the rights of journalists. In the last week there have been at least 17 deaths and 1,200 detainees.
The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and Reporters Without Borders have condemned these arbitrary expulsions and detentions, urging the international community to pressure the Maduro regime to respect human rights and press freedom.
The deportation of Álvaro Nieto and the harassment of other journalists are clear signs of a regime that seeks to control the narrative through repression and fear.
Nieto’s case raises a crucial question: How far can a government go to silence those who challenge its authority? The answer to this question will define the future of freedom of expression in Venezuela and beyond.
