BTN News: The Ecuadorian digital media outlet, LaDataEc, has reported a serious incident involving the journalist Dayana Krays. She was detained by Nicolás Maduro’s government while she was in Caracas. Krays was there to cover a protest rally organized by opposition leader MarÃa Corina Machado. Her detention happened when she was on her way home after covering the event. This has caused a lot of anger and worry about press freedom and human rights in Venezuela.
LaDataEc shared the urgent news on their social media. They stressed that Krays was detained by government agents right after she finished reporting on the protests against electoral fraud in Venezuela. These protests were about the recent elections in the country, which many people, including Krays in her reports, have called fraudulent.
In the last 72 hours, Venezuelan authorities have detained many activists, protesters, and journalists. They have also expelled some, accusing them of “fomenting hatred.” These actions have led to strong criticism from various groups. One of these groups is the Association of Venezuelan Journalists in Ecuador (APEVE). APEVE has strongly condemned Krays’ detention. They stated that her arrest was because she was doing her job as a journalist.
APEVE’s statement highlighted that the right to information and freedom of expression are in the 1999 Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. They emphasized that journalism involves giving truthful and timely information, which is a basic right. This right should not be taken away by a regime trying to silence people and social networks from sharing what is really happening in Venezuela.
The National College of Journalists of Venezuela also stated that journalism is a right protected by the constitution and the law. They made it clear that informing the public is not a crime. APEVE repeated this message during a recent press conference in Quito. They talked about the serious situation in Venezuela and how it affects both the people living there and neighboring countries.
In addition to these troubling events, the press conference also talked about the growing migration crisis. The Fundación Chamos Venezolanos en Ecuador, led by President Egleth Noda, shared that they have seen a big increase in support requests from Venezuelan citizens after the election. The foundation focuses on protecting the education and healthcare of vulnerable people. They have received about 800 support requests, mostly from families looking to migrate or already on their way to Ecuador.
Noda pointed out that there has been a noticeable increase in migration towards Quito and entry points in Ecuador. The current number of support requests is much higher than the average of 100-150 per month seen before the election. Most of these requests are for medical attention and humanitarian assistance, often from families averaging 3.5 members. This shows the urgent need for local and international cooperation to help those who are traveling or have just arrived.
The message from these organizations is clear: there is an urgent need to support Venezuelan migrants. It is important to ensure they receive the help they need during these difficult times. The situation of journalists like Dayana Krays and the broader humanitarian crisis show the serious challenges facing Venezuela and its people.
