During the dictatorial rule of Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan regime’s security forces murdered at least up to 4 journalists in deliberate and cold-blooded executions.
On February 28th, 2019, activist and independent journalist Alí Domínguez was abducted by a group of men and was brutally beaten and tortured before he was murdered. His body was found on the side of a motorway a couple of days later. Alí Domínguez was a harsh critic of Nizolas Maduro and also a journalist who focused on corruption.
Two other journalists killed were Andrés Eloy Nieves Zacarías and Víctor Torres, and were killed by the Venezuelan security force called the Special Action Forces (FAES). In August 2020, the FAES stormed TV station, La Guacamaya TV, and shot and killed the two journalists in what is considered as a deliberate execution. Victor Torres was also the son of the owner of the media outlet, David Torres. Andrés Eloy Nieves Zacarías was a cameraman.
As part of crackdown on journalists in the same month, on August 18th 2020, José Carmelo Bislick Acosta, a Radio Omega 94.1 FM presenter, was abducted, shot and found dead in Güiria, Sucre state, after reporting on local corruption. He was a member of the ruling-party.
As of January 2026, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reports that up to 6 journalists are still imprisoned in Venezuela.
- Rory Branker: Reporter for La Patilla, arrested February 20, 2025, while covering protests; enforced disappearance reported in December 2025 after transfer to unknown location.
- Leandro Palmar: Contributor to LUZ Radio 102.9 FM and Venezuela es Noticia, detained January 9, 2025, in Maracaibo while covering anti-government protests; charged with terrorism.
- Belises Salvador Cubillán: Assistant/producer for Leandro Palmar, detained January 9, 2025, alongside him; held at Aragua Penitentiary Centre.
- Nakary Mena Ramos: Reporter for Impacto Venezuela, arrested April 8, 2025, after publishing on insecurity in Caracas; held at National Institute for Female Orientation.
- Gianni González: Cameraman for Impacto Venezuela (husband of Nakary Mena Ramos), detained April 8, 2025; held at El Rodeo prison.
- Luis López: Reporter from La Guaira, detained in 2024 for covering post-election protests; still held on terrorism charges as per earlier RSF reports.
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