Venezuelan security forces detained at least 14 journalists on Monday as armed police and intelligence agents increased patrols across the capital following the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.
The journalists were detained while covering developments after Maduro’s arrest, according to a union representing media workers. Most of those held worked for foreign news outlets and were released later in the day, though one reporter was deported.
The detentions took place near the National Assembly, where Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president, and in other areas of Caracas, including Altamira. Two reporters were also detained near the Colombia-Venezuela border before being sent back to Colombia.
The union said journalists had their phones checked, equipment searched, and messages reviewed by security personnel. It described the incidents as “alarming” and called for the release of 23 journalists still in detention in Venezuela.
Residents reported a heavy presence of police, military forces, and armed pro-government groups on the streets, creating fear among people critical of the authorities. Rights groups say more than 800 political prisoners remain in custody, as repression has intensified since the disputed 2024 election.
With inputs from BBC