Radio associations based in Honduras lashed out Monday at non-renewal of a broadcast license for TV channel Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV) by the Venezuelan government and claimed that such actions are authored only by totalitarian regimes.

"We condemn such an action characteristic of totalitarian regimes, as it is a setback for humankind. We share the indignation of the whole free world," members of multiple associations proclaimed in a notice aired on the radio.

RCTV went off the air on Sunday at midnight, ending with 53 years of history. The term for its broadcast license expired and President Hugo Chávez decided not to renew it after charging the station with being a coup supporter. About 20 minutes later, the new state channel Tves started operations with the National Anthem as background, AFP reported.

"Chávez will commit a crime, not only against freedom of expression and Venezuelans, but also against all of us, who trust in freedom and democracy," they said.