Credentials denied to three journalists

On August 18, 2013, Frank Castillo, president of the Intervening board of Estudiantes FC football team, a local sports group, denied the issue of credentials to access a football match playing against La Guaira FC to three journalists covering sports news. This happened in Mérida, to the south west of the country.

Reporters Ricardo Cabrera, of Televisora Andina de Mérida; Damian Cloquell, of Ciudad 99.3 FM and Euro Lobo, a freelancer who takes sports photographs, were not able to do their work as journalists because they were denied the access credentials to enter the football field.

Castillo alleged that the material to print the credentials with the names of B.A´s Cloquell and Lobo had run out.  “The fact is that this is no obstacle for journalists to enter the football field” Euro Lobo explained to IPYS Venezuela, “since with the CNP credentials that should be enough”, he added.  Besides, Frank Castillo left it very clear to Ricardo Cabrera that his opinions were contentious.
The group of affected journalists presumes that this was a political party-based act of discrimination due to critical opinions they have expressed with respect to the performance of Frank Castillo as a manager.

The National College of Journalists, Mérida section, shall meet and issue a statement on this situation. Euro Lobo informed that, in defense of his rights, he shall introduce a constitutional appeal defending his rights in the next few days.

This situation is deemed to be a limitation to accessing and covering public affairs and affect the full exercise of journalism in this country.