NGOs urge IACHR to address issue of mandatory broadcasts during campaign

A group of non-governmental organizations requested the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) the inclusion in their report of the indiscriminate broadcast of mandatory nationwide radio and TV messages by the Venezuelan Government during electoral campaigns. 

"Last night (Thursday), during a hearing at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) we reported the issue of mandatory nationwide broadcasts and called for their inclusion in the report as an abuse," said director of NGO Espacio Público Carlos Correa.

The request was supported by the Venezuelan Journalists' Association (CNP), the Venezuelan Press Workers' Union (SNTP), and the Center for Human Rights of the Andrés Bello Catholic University (UCAB), EFE cited.

Correa explained that early in August, one month after the beginning of the electoral campaign, unsuccessful requests for regularization of presidential messages during obligatory broadcasts were made to the National Electoral Council (CNE). 

They expect the IACHR includes their complaint in its next yearly publication. 

Translated by Jhean Cabrera