Venezuela frees three journalists held while investigating prison

CARACAS: An Italian, a Swiss and a Venezuelan journalist, arrested Friday while attempting to report from a notorious prison in northern Venezuela, were released on Sunday, human rights and press freedom groups said.

A court ordered the release of Roberto Di Matteo of Italy, Filippo Rossi of Switzerland and Jesus Medina of Venezuela, according to the National Union of Press Workers, which tweeted a picture of a relieved Medina posing with his release card.

Swiss and Italian diplomats said they had intervened to ensure the men’s proper treatment and secure what the Swiss foreign ministry described as a swift resolution.

Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Angelino Alfano, added his government had paid “great attention” to the case.

“For us it is good news,” he said.

The rights group Foro Penal, which had provided legal assistance, said the men and their television crew had entered Tocoron prison – considered one of the country’s most violent – to conduct an investigation.

Critics say Venezuelan prisons are overpopulated and inmates are malnourished, despite government plans to reduce inmate populations.

The press union on Saturday released a photograph of the three journalists taken from the back, apparently handcuffed and escorted by two military personnel.

“They had an invitation to enter Tocoron,” the union said in a statement.

“They had registered to enter when they were barred access and then arrested. It seems there was a counter- order to bar them access.”

Venezuela’s Foreign Press Association sharply denounced the men’s treatment, saying, “We reject the harassment and detention of journalists as a means to intimidate the press.” — AFP