Venezuelan Journalist Rory Branker Arrested Amid Escalating Media Repression

Venezuelan journalist Rory Branker was arrested in Caracas on May 23, 2025, in what press freedom advocates are calling another alarming move in the government’s widening crackdown on independent media. Branker, a reporter known for his critical coverage of state institutions and constitutional reforms, was reportedly detained by security forces without a warrant while covering a protest near the National Assembly.

According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Branker was violently apprehended and held incommunicado for several hours before being transferred to a detention center operated by the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN). His family and legal representatives were denied access during the initial hours of his detention. Authorities have yet to announce formal charges, though speculation centers on accusations of “instigating unrest” and “spreading misinformation”—vague charges frequently leveled against dissenting journalists in Venezuela.

Branker’s arrest occurred against the backdrop of rising tensions over a proposed constitutional reform that critics argue will further entrench authoritarian rule. The government has responded to mounting protests and public criticism with increased surveillance, censorship, and the targeting of independent journalists. Advocacy groups report that more than a dozen journalists have been harassed, assaulted, or arbitrarily detained in the last two months alone.

IFEX and RSF both condemned Branker’s detention, describing it as part of a systematic campaign to silence critical voices and limit transparency around the controversial reforms. “The Venezuelan government continues to show flagrant disregard for press freedom,” said RSF, demanding Branker’s immediate release and accountability for the abuses committed.

Branker, who has worked for several independent outlets and is known for his sharp analyses on economic policy and civic rights, has previously received threats for his reporting. His arrest sends a chilling message to the broader journalistic community in Venezuela, where self-censorship is increasingly seen as a survival strategy.

International organizations and human rights defenders are now urging Venezuela to respect its constitutional obligations and international commitments to protect freedom of expression and ensure journalists can do their work without fear of persecution.