IAB condemns the illegal detention of journalists and demands full guarantees for journalistic work in Venezuela
The International Association of Broadcasting (IAB) expresses its deep concern over the illegal detention and subsequent temporary disappearance of journalists Jeff Martínez, a Colombian national, and Julián Mazoy, a Mexican national, who were deprived of their liberty after attempting to enter Venezuela to carry out journalistic activities and were held incommunicado until their release.
The arbitrary detention of journalists, or of any individual, without legal guarantees and without respect for due process, constitutes a serious violation of international human rights standards.
These events are part of a recurrent pattern of restrictions, arbitrary detentions, harassment, and obstacles to journalistic work, which gravely undermine the public’s right to be duly informed.
IAB urges the interim authorities of Venezuela to immediately cease such practices, to fully guarantee the safety of national and foreign journalists, and to definitively adhere to international human rights standards, as well as to the strict respect for the Venezuelan Constitution, which protects freedom of expression and the right to information.
IAB reiterates its solidarity with the affected journalists and with the international journalistic community, and reaffirms that freedom of expression and freedom of the press are essential conditions for democracy and the rule of law.
Montevideo, January 9, 2026.