New Swedish support to free and independent media in Venezuela
Published
As a result of the disputed election in Venezuela and as part of an upcoming investment aiming to improve conditions for free elections, the Swedish Government intends to increase its support to freedom of expression, freedom of the press and independent media in Venezuela by SEK 10 million.
“In light of the disputed election, Venezuela’s socialist regime is now doing everything it can to silence free speech and block oppositional voices. With this emergency support, we want to help independent journalists to be able to report on the developments and document the restrictions on human rights and freedoms that are being imposed in the country,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell.
Access to information is a cornerstone of the fight against authoritarian regimes. This is a component of the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen democracy, freedom of the press and freedom of expression globally, and it is one of the building blocks in the Government’s initiative to enhance the conditions for free elections. The support will be channelled via the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
Press contact
Press Secretary to Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
Mobile +46 76-142 29 39
email to Victoria Holmqvist