The International Association of Broadcasting (IAB) strongly condemns a new attack on GLOBOVISION television channel in Venezuela, which occurred on Monday August 3. It has been reported that a group of President Chávez partisans raided the premises of the station by throwing tear-gas bombs and subduing the security staff with firearms. At least two people were injured.

The Venezuelan authoritarian regime has increased its hostile and violent actions against free and independent media by closing stations and threatening journalists, communicators, broadcasters and editors, while its partisan groups carry out violent attacks, like the one against GLOBOVISION. These acts once again display the very serious situation in Venezuela regarding freedom of expression and fundamental rights.

IAB reiterates its claim to the Organization of American States and to all the governments committed with the cause of freedom and democracy with the aim to urgently apply the mechanisms provided in international agreements to safeguard the state of law and democracy in Venezuela.