France: CFWIJ denounces the intimidation from the state of Venezuela against journalist Andreina Mujica

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June 10, 2021- Andreina Mujica, a Franco-Venezuelan journalist was called by the French police against a complaint filed by the counsel of Venezuela on June 8. The complaint against Andreina was filed by Venezuelan counsel Glenna Cabello, who accused the journalist of posting threats to her life in a Facebook post on March 12, 2019. As per Andreina, the Facebook post in question was done by her to demand the release of a journalist Luis Carlos, captured by the state. Astonishingly, it took more than two years for Glenna to realize a threat against her posted on social media. Andreina was released from the police interrogation as authorities found nothing threatening in the investigation and wrapped up the complaint. CFWIJ believes that Andreina executed her right as freedom of expression in her post and there was nothing offensive in her post as she demanded release for a fellow journalist. It is extremely worrying that the Venezuelan state can extend its tentacles even across the state to intimidate and harass a women journalist. We urge the law enforcement authorities in France to not cater to any such complaints that are politically motivated and only meant to harm a journalist's integrity. 

Andreina was questioned by French police for two hours and after that, she was released. If the allegations against her were accepted to be true, Anreina might have faced six months in prison along with a fine of thousands of euros. According to her lawyer, Francois Zimeray, “Andreina was released because the complaint against her was totally unsubstantiated. We are considering the option of filing a libel case against the counsel for their slanderous action against Andreina. Nothing was threatening in the post. She even limited herself from exercising her right to freedom of expression and from reporting free of fear”.

It is extremely worrying that the Venezuelan state extends its control in other countries to gag the Vanezulelans wherever they are. Fortunately, Andreina is in France, where she has freedom of expression- but in any other country with weak institutions, she might have faced a lot of trouble on such a complaint. The case demonstrates the expression that it is not enough for the Venezuelan dictatorship to control the narrative of the media just in the country, the state wants to control its citizens everywhere. 

Reporters Sans Frontiers posted a Twitter thread denouncing the state's intimidation against Andreina.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism extends its support to Andreina Mujica and condemns the actions of Venezuelan counsel to intimidate a journalist over a baseless complaint. We urge French police officials to not let such intimidating tactics disturb the peace of Andreina and let her pursue journalism without any state apprehensions.