Venezuela: Police release detained French journalists January 31 /update 1

Event

The Venezuelan government reportedly freed two French journalists on Thursday, January 31, who were arrested outside the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas earlier in the week. The French ambassador to Venezuela confirmed the two journalists were released in good health and were allowed to return to France on Thursday.

Context

Venezuelan security forces arrested two French journalists in Caracas on January 29, near the Miraflores presidential palace. The government has reportedly detained several foreign journalists in Caracas over the previous week. 

Advice

Individuals in Venezuela are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of violence and arrest, refrain from discussing political topics in public, and adhere to all instructions issued by their home government and local authorities.