IAB strongly condemns the murder of journalist Walter Alexander Jaimes in Venezuela
The International Association of Broadcasting (IAB) strongly condemns the murder of journalist Walter Alexander Jaimes, whose body was found in the state of Mérida, Venezuela, after having been reported missing days earlier.
IAB expresses its deep consternation over this crime, which mourns Venezuelan journalism and constitutes an extremely serious attack on freedom of expression and on society’s right to be informed.
As established in Principle 9 of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression, “The murder, kidnapping, intimidation of and/or threats to social communicators, as well as the destruction of communications media violate the fundamental rights of individuals and strongly restrict freedom of expression. It is the duty of States to prevent and investigate such occurrences, to punish their perpetrators and to ensure that victims receive adequate compensation.”
In this regard, IAB firmly urges the interim authorities of Venezuela to carry out an immediate, independent and transparent investigation that clarifies the circumstances of this murder, identifies both the material and intellectual perpetrators, and ensures that this crime does not remain in impunity.
IAB expresses its solidarity with the family of journalist Walter Alexander Jaimes, with the Venezuelan journalistic community, and with all media professionals who continue to carry out their work under extremely difficult conditions, and reaffirms its permanent commitment to the defense of freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Venezuela and throughout the hemisphere.
Montevideo, March 5, 2026.