On the 19th anniversary of the closure of RCTV, IAB recalls the obligation to comply with the judgment of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Nineteen years after the closure of Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV), which occurred on May 27, 2007, the International Association of Broadcasting (IAB) recalls that this act constituted a grave violation of Freedom of Expression, informational pluralism, and the fundamental principles of a democratic society.
IAB highlights that the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, in its judgment of June 22, 2015, declared the international responsibility of the Venezuelan State for the violation of fundamental rights against RCTV, its journalists, employees, and executives, ordering the restoration of the broadcasting concession and the return of the assets illegally confiscated.
To date, that judgment remains unfulfilled.
IAB considers that full compliance with this decision of the Inter-American Court would constitute a fundamental sign of respect for International Law, for the international commitments assumed by the Venezuelan State, and for the democratic principles that must govern every free society.
The RCTV case remains one of the most serious precedents regarding violations of Freedom of Expression in the hemisphere and serves as a permanent warning about the risks faced by media organizations when public authorities promote mechanisms of pressure, harassment, delegitimization, or confrontation against independent and critical media outlets.
IAB reiterates that Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Press are essential pillars of democracy and that no media organization should be subjected to reprisals, stigmatization campaigns, or pressure because of its editorial line, opinions, or journalistic work.
IAB reaffirms its solidarity with the shareholders, executives, journalists, and employees of RCTV, as well as with all media organizations and communicators throughout the Americas who continue defending the public’s right to receive free, plural, and independent information.
Montevideo, May 27, 2026
Montevideo, May 27, 2026