Venezuelan authorities are bound to ensure freedom of expression, including that of their opponents, said Thursday Amnesty International in the face of the impending closure of TV channel Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV).

According to the organization advocating human rights, this is the most recent of a number of steps that have increasingly abated the right to freedom of expression in Venezuela.

A press release from AI pointed also to the attacks and threats on journalists, including two killings, trials and the enactment of laws that curtail freedom of expression.

"In the absence of freedom of expression, Venezuelans will be less able to denounce abuses and attacks and being indemnified, and also to take part in making proposals on the country's key issues."