Amid Protests, Venezuela Silences CNN Reporters

It revokes credentials of 4 in the country
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Feb 21, 2014 4:46 PM CST
Amid Protests, Venezuela Silences CNN Reporters
An opposition demonstrator holds a poster that reads in Spanish "They are killing us" outside the Venezuelan Military Industries (CAVIM) in Caracas Thursday.   (AP Photo/Alejandro Cegarra)

Venezuela's government has revoked the press credentials of journalists from CNN after President Nicolas Maduro blasted the television network's coverage of political protests. The network said four of its journalists were notified by the Information Ministry that they are no longer allowed to report in the country. Maduro yesterday threatened to expel CNN from Venezuela if it doesn't "rectify" its coverage of unrest that he says is part of a campaign to topple his socialist government. Colombian news channel NTN24 was suspended from Venezuelan cable TV packages a week ago.

The government's near-complete control of domestic broadcasters has made CNN en Espanol a source of information for many Venezuelans trying to follow the unrest. At least six people have died in the violence, reports Reuters. Meanwhile, jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez has urged his supporters to continue peaceful protests. "I'm fine, I ask you not to give up, I won't," the Harvard-educated economist wrote in a note posted online by his wife. CNN provides a primer on the unrest here. (More Venezuela stories.)

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