Venezuelan Journalist Carlos Julio Rojas Detained Without Due Process

Carlos Julio Rojas, a Venezuelan journalist and community activist, was detained by authorities on April 18, 2023 and held at the notorious Sebin prison known as El Helicoide in Caracas. Rojas was arrested without due process and has been denied access to his lawyers and family, according to reports.

The detention of Rojas is part of a broader crackdown on press freedom and civil society in Venezuela. The government of President Nicolas Maduro has been accused of using arbitrary arrests, torture, and other human rights abuses to silence dissent and criticism. Journalists and activists who speak out against the government are frequently targeted.

Why this matters: The arrest of Carlos Julio Rojas highlights the ongoing repression of free speech and human rights in Venezuela under the Maduro regime. It underscores the risks faced by journalists and activists who attempt to report on government abuses and corruption in the country.

Venezuela has a long history of detaining and harassing journalists and activists critical of the government. Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a non-profit organization that defends press freedom worldwide, has documented numerous cases of journalists being arbitrarily arrested, detained, and tortured in Venezuela.

RSF works to support journalists in danger in Venezuela and around the world. The organization carries out advocacy with governments and institutions, offers concrete solutions, and launches international initiatives to make lasting change. Nearly half of the world's population has no access to freely reported news and information, making the work of organizations like RSF vital.

The specific charges against Rojas, if any, have not been disclosed. His arrest without due process or access to legal counsel violates basic principles of human rights and the rule of law. Rojas' detention at the infamous El Helicoide prison, known for its harsh conditions and torture of political prisoners, raises further alarm about his safety and well-being.

As of April 19, 2024, one year after his arrest, there have been no updates on Rojas' situation or status. Press freedom and human rights organizations continue to call for his immediate release and for the Venezuelan government to respect the rights of journalists and activists to report freely without fear of reprisal. "The detention of Carlos Julio Rojas is an outrageous violation of press freedom and human rights," said a spokesperson for Reporters Without Borders. "We demand his immediate and unconditional release."

Key Takeaways

• Venezuelan journalist Carlos Julio Rojas detained without due process.
• Rojas held at notorious Sebin prison, denied access to lawyers and family.
• Crackdown on press freedom and civil society under Maduro regime.
• Reporters Without Borders calls for Rojas' immediate and unconditional release.
• Lack of updates on Rojas' status one year after his arrest.