Freedom of Expression
Press Release 130/05
OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION ORDERING PROVISIONAL CLOSURE OF NEWSPAPER IN VENEZUELA
Washington, D.C., October 26, 2005. The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expresses its concern about the decision of the National Agency for the Administration of Taxes and Customs (Servicio Nacional Integrado de Administración Tributaria y Aduanera, SENIAT) of Venezuela, which imposed a fine and ordered the closure of the offices of the regional newspaper El Impulso for 24 hours.
The Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Eduardo Bertoni, reiterates that administrative and tax proceedings must never be used to silence criticism and information and that when extreme measures are adopted, full respect for freedom of expression must be guaranteed.
Regarding this, Principle 13 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression of the Commission indicates that direct or indirect pressure aimed at silencing the informative work of social communicators is incompatible with freedom of expression.
The Rapporteur’s Office will continue to observe the development of these events, taking into account the seriousness of this measure, which seriously limits the informative work of the newspaper. Nonetheless, it recognizes the power of the VenezuelanState to verify compliance with its tax laws by its taxpayers.
For additional information about the Office of the Special Rapporteur: http://www.cidh.org/relatoria