Hugo Chavez Against Freedom of Speech - Supreme Court Will Not Stop RCTV Shut Down

Filed in archive Latin News , Latin Television on May 23, 2007

Even though Hugo Chavez (Venezuelan President) is right about Pope Benedict's apology, Chavez is still Chavez. Last December, he declared he would not renew the license of RCTV, Radio Caracas Televisión, a private station known for being strongly opposed to his government.

"There will be no new concession for that coup-plotting television channel named Radio Caracas Televisión,'' Chavez said. The station took the matter to the Venezuelan Supreme Court.

Today the Court ruled that the television station must stop broadcasting next Monday, "while the high court reviews its appeal of the government's decision not to renew its license."

The Supreme Court accepted the appeal presented by Radio Caracas Television, but rejected its request for "protective measures."

The private station will be replaced by a public-service station. Chavez says the "new, state-financed station will respect freedom of expression by opening its doors to all Venezuelans".

Yeah, right. The only concept Chavez has for freedom of speech is the freedom to speak in favor of his government. He's shutting down Radio Caracas Television as a way to silence opposition.

"President Hugo Chavez is misusing the state's regulatory authority to punish a media outlet for its criticism of the government," said José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch. "The move to shut down RCTV is a serious blow to freedom of expression in Venezuela."

More info at Humans Rights News: Venezuela: TV Shutdown Harms Free Expression