German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) condemns the removal of its Spanish-language TV channel from cable networks in Venezuela as an “infringement on press freedom” and calls for the distribution the restored.
“We urgently call on the Venezuelan government to once again ensure the distribution of the Spanish language DW television channel as quickly as possible. This restriction of DW’s broadcast is a serious encroachment on the freedom of the people in Venezuela to find independent information themselves,” said DW Director General Peter Limbourg.
The forced removal of the Spanish language DW channel by Venezuelan authorities follows the release of a video produced for Cómo te afecta, a new DW format. The video focuses on corruption in various countries across Latin America, including Venezuela, as well as on the connections between politicians and organised crime. The primary sources the programme refers to are Transparency International and Insight Crime, according to DW.
“We are seeing defamation, censorship, internet blockages and disinformation about DW and its coverage spread across an increasing number of countries. We will continue to do everything we can to reach those living in authoritarian states,” stressed Limbourg.
DW’s Spanish-language programming continues to be accessible via www.dw.com as well as on social media. The Spanish-language TV channel is also available as a live-stream is also available on DW Español YouTube.
