The Directorate of Citizen Security of the Chacao municipality assured that there is no prohibition to record in public spaces, after the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners (Clippve) reported that they prevented him from filming an institutional video in Plaza Francia in Altamira.
The director of the body, chief commissioner Luis Gonzalo Fernández Córdova, He addressed public opinion to clarify what happened the morning of this Friday, October 23, in an episode that generated criticism and questions on social networks.
The official emphasized that public spaces “They are places of meeting, participation and free coexistence of citizens.”
“In no case is the making of recordings or the use of public spaces prohibited. We regret that, during a routine approach and conversation, a momentary confusion was generated; However, the officials of our Municipal Police attended to and clarified the situation immediately, which allowed the people who were making the recording to continue with their activity as normal,” he added.
Fernández Córdova highlighted that the protection and good use of the spaces are in charge of the Guardians of Public Spaces, a team made up of older adults who are part of the municipal inclusion policies.
In addition, The chief commissioner regretted that the episode has generated a perception contrary to the principle of respect for freedom of expression and reiterated its commitment to adherence to the Constitution, the laws and the proper use of public spaces.
Complaint of political prisoners
Earlier, members of Clippve They reported that Chacao Citizen Security officials prevented them from recording said video in Plaza Francia.
In a statement published on their social networks, It was noted that the officials alleged that it was prohibited to record in the place while the members wore t-shirts with messages related to their fight for the freedom of political prisoners.
In a video shared by the organization, one of its members assured that, minutes before, other people had recorded videos in the square and that the officials never prohibited them from continuing with their activity.
According to the complaint, The agents also stated that they received alleged “pressure” from their superiors to demand that they leave the square.although they did not present a legal basis for that restriction.
Clippve indicated that, finally, officials allowed them to continue recordingbut they remained on site to supervise the activity.
“The fact is worrying given the announcements of supposed advances in political freedoms, celebrated by national and international actors. Democratic openness is not measured by speeches, but by real guarantees to express, organize and demand rights without reprisals,” Clippve explained.
The organization also called on citizens to report these types of situations and asked the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations (UN) to document the restrictions on civil and political liberties that, it assured, persist in Venezuela.
“As victims and family members, we will not remain silent. We continue to demand the full, immediate and unconditional freedom of all political prisoners,” the statement reads.
