Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Venezuela Detains 14 Journalists Amid US Intervention
In Venezuela, 14 journalists were detained while covering the political situation after the US captured and arrested President Nicolas Maduro.
Most of the journalists were released and deported, but some were held for several hours.
The US charged Maduro with narcoterrorism, and he pleaded not guilty, calling his arrest a 'kidnapping'.
Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as the new interim president.
Russia supports Venezuela and criticizes the US intervention as neocolonialism.
The journalists' union is concerned about the detentions and the safety of media workers in the country.
14 journalists were detained in Venezuela while covering political events and US intervention.
Most journalists were released and deported, but some were held for several hours.
The detentions occurred after Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president.
Russia welcomed Rodriguez's appointment and condemned US intervention as neocolonialism.
Nicolas Maduro was arrested by US forces and charged with narcoterrorism, pleading not guilty.
- Who
- 14 journalists, including 11 international and 1 national, and 1 foreign national
- What
- Detention of journalists while covering US intervention and political events in Venezuela
- When
- Monday, January 5, 2026
- Where
- Caracas, Venezuela, and near the Colombian border
- Why
- Covering US intervention, pro-government rallies, and the swearing-in of Venezuela’s interim President
US and Venezuelan Government
Journalists and International Community
Detention of Journalists
US and Venezuelan Government
Journalists were detained for security reasons and to control information during a sensitive political transition.
Journalists and International Community
The detention of journalists is a violation of press freedom and international norms, and it highlights the risks faced by media workers in conflict zones.
US Intervention in Venezuela
US and Venezuelan Government
The US intervention is necessary to combat narcoterrorism and support democratic governance in Venezuela.
Journalists and International Community
The US intervention is a blatant act of neocolonialism and foreign aggression, undermining Venezuela's sovereignty and self-determination.
- Number of Journalists Detained
- 14
- Location of Detention
- Caracas, Venezuela, and near the Colombian border
- Reason for Detention
- Covering US intervention, pro-government rallies, and swearing-in of interim President
- Status of Journalists
- All released and deported, except for 23 journalists who remain in custody
- International Media Workers Detained
- 11
- National Media Workers Detained
- 1
- Foreign National Detained
- 1 (deported)
- US Charges Against Maduro
- Narcoterrorism and drug trafficking
- New Interim President
- Delcy Rodriguez
- Russian Stance
- Russia welcomes Rodriguez's appointment and condemns US intervention as neocolonialism
Sources
14 Journalists detained in Venezuela during coverage of US intervention: National Press Association
Captured Venezuela Prez Maduro pleads not guilty, calls US arrest ‘kidnapping’
Trump administration thanks media for keeping quiet before strike that captured Maduro - Telegraph India
Russia slams ‘neocolonial threats’ against Venezuela, backs new interim leader
Venezuela cracks down on foreign journalists after Nicolas Maduro’s arrest by US forces
Venezuela declares 7 days of mourning for those killed in US attack
