The Association of Alternative& Community Media (Amarc)  has called on the Venezuela state and the international community to ensure the physical integrity of associated  journalists. An attack on Radio Llovizna in Ciudad Guayana (Bolivar)  on March 6-7 is typical of several incidents that occurred between February and March.

According to community reporter, Juan Martorana, a group of persons arrived at the station carrying shotguns, and FAL assault rifles pointing them at people entering and leaving the building ... "the threats continued till 2.00 a.m."

Other incidents reported are:

On July 4, 2003 Radio Perijanera (Machiques) reported the theft of equipment during a commando-like operation followed by phone threats and beating up journalists. Amarc says minority sectors of the local teachers association and Accion Democratica (AD) are behind the threats.

July 10, 2003: Catia TV was closed and equipment requisitioned by the Metropolitan Mayor's Office on grounds that the station was occupying rooms needed by Lidice Hospital for private sector use.

Parroquiana FM in San Jose de Perija (Zulia) on October 11,  2003 came under attack from a group of Machiques Mayor's Office employees and AD members, threatening journalists that they would burn the station down of they didn't close down.

Radio Chuspa (Vargas) on January 25, 2004 a group allegedly led by Vargas Mayor's Office invaded the building and sabotaged external electric sub-stations damaging the transmitter and equipment.

Radio Perola (Caracas) on February 27, 2004 three journalists were beaten up. Phone threats and e-mails threaten employees. According to a radio board member Elida Polanco, 8 persons arrived at the station and kicked 2 teenage operators living in the area.

Radio Maxima, Ciudad Ojeda (Zulia) on March 2, 2004 Armed groups belonging to the opposition Gente de Petroleo tried to lynch radio station founder, Victor Yepez, as he was arriving home with his journalist wife, Adda Perez. 50 people set on the two and destroyed their vehicle.

Venezuela's privately-owned print & broadcast media has not published any details of similar attacks on their installations.