The Venezuelan government revoked the press credentials of seven CNN journalists on Friday — one day after threatening to expel the network from the country for its coverage of the protests that have been sweeping Venezuela for more than a week.
Government officials told seven journalists for CNN International and CNN en Español, including Colombian reporter Patricia Janoit, that their press accreditation had been "denied or revoked." Other CNN reporters were invited to book flights back to their home countries and "were asked several times when they would be leaving the country," as the network reported on Friday afternoon.
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For now, however, CNN International and CNN en Español will continue to broadcast in the troubled country.
"CNN has reported both sides of the tense situation in Venezuela, even with very limited access to government officials," CNN en Español said in a statement. "We hope the government will reconsider its decision. Meanwhile, we will continue reporting on Venezuela in the fair, accurate and balanced manner we are known for."
President Nicolas Maduro, has strongly criticized the channel. "Enough war propaganda," he said on Thursday during a televised address, according to CNN en Español. "I do not accept war propaganda against Venezuela. If they do not rectify things, get out of Venezuela, CNN, get out."
The move comes days after Maduro forced cable providers to drop the Colombian cable news channel NTN24. On Thursday it emerged that the government was tightening its grip on the Internet, blocking websites, throttling connections speeds and accusing social media users of being "cybercriminals" — all while using Twitter to spread the government's propaganda.
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