NEWS
U.S. Concerned about Freedom of Expression in Venezuela
Statement by Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
The United States joins the expressions of concern made by the international community about the May 27 closure of Venezuela's only independent television network with nationwide broadcast coverage. The European Union, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the U.S. Senate, the Chilean Senate, the EU Parliament, Reporters without Borders, the Inter-American Press Association, and Human Rights Watch, among others have all spoken out in opposition to this action. Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and an essential element of democracy. We call on the Government of Venezuela to abide by its commitments under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Inter-American Democratic Charter and to reverse policies that limit freedom of expression.