MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chavez condemns attack on television station as “counter revolutionary”

The attack comes at a critical moment for Chavez in his relation with the independent press.

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez confirmed Tuesday that one of her militants Lina Ron was under arrest for having been involved in the Monday attack on the Globovision television station, an action which he also condemned.

“Today she turned up, and it is good she did so, and she’s under arrest, there’s no alternative: she broke the law and all those with her, in an action which is deplorable and counterrevolutionary”, said Chavez in direct reference to the Monday attack.

An estimated group of 35 people clearly identified as radical supporters of President Chavez attacked the opposition television channel which could be seen in images broadcasted by the station. They forced their way into the compound and firing tear gas.

The Caracas press revealed that Ms Ron was arrested at midday by Military Intelligence, according to military sources, adding she had a wound shot in her arm presumably fired by one of the guards at the television station.

Previously a local tribunal had ordered a warrant arrest against Ms Ron on request from the Venezuelan prosecution because of her participation in the attack.

“This kind of aggression against a counterrevolutionary television station (Globovision) only gives more oxygen to the counter revolution, plus the fact they blame it on me and insist on calling me a tyrant” emphasized Chavez during an official ceremony.

The group of activists from the Union Patriotica Venezolana, UPV, which supports Chavez rode on motorcycles into Globovision’s headquarters and fired tear gas. Two people were slightly injured and tens suffered the impact of the gas.

In spite of Venezuelan officials and President Chavez condemnation, the attack comes as the government adopts a series of measures curtailing the media.

Thirty-four radio stations were ordered off air after the government said they were in breach of the rules for registering or had allowed their broadcast licences to expire. Some 200 other stations are under investigation.

Critics say it is an assault on free speech and several international press and broadcasting organizations have criticized the decision.

Globovision, which has been highly critical of President Chavez, is facing several investigations that could also take it off air.

Globovision's Director General Alberto Federico Ravell condemned the attack and urged Mr Chavez to rein in his supporters.

Interior Minister Tareck El Aissami said the violence was “criminal” and promised an investigation.

The government says it is trying to make the media more democratic.

“The state is retaking control of concessions that were being used in an illegal way over more than 30 and 40 years,” said Public Works Minister Diosdado Cabello, who is the head of the telecommunications agency. “It's an act of justice.”

But critics say the move is aimed at giving more space to media that support Mr Chavez and is an attempt to muzzle any critical voices.

Venezuela's National Assembly suspended on Tuesday the discussion of legislation under which journalists could be imprisoned for up to four years for broadcasting or publishing material that attacks “the peace, security, and independence of the nation and the institutions of the state”.