Financial Times (Benedict Mander): Ever since a minor earthquake rumbled through the concrete sprawl of Caracas in early May, the foundations of Venezuela's last remaining flagrantly anti-government television station have looked unstable. The 24-hour news channel Globovision's coverage of the earthquake so incensed President Hugo Chavez -- who accused the reports of inciting fear -- that the channel worries its days are numbered. Although many argue free speech itself is not yet under threat in Venezuela, Globovision has become the favorite new target of the combative President, who accuses it of "media terrorism" and of "poisoning" the people.

The government has raided the property of Guillermo Zuloaga, Globovision's president, whom it accuses of usury and "environmental crimes." It has also fined the channel $4.2 million (€3 million, £2.5 million) for allegedly failing to pay taxes six years ago. Such action has provoked widespread criticism that the government is harassing a powerful opponent.

Mr Chavez has made his feelings abundantly clear. "I can assure you, this network will not remain on the airwaves much longer" if it does not change its ways soon, he warned this week. He ticked off senior officials last month for not cracking down hard enough on Globovision, rounding on a close ally who heads the national telecommunications commission as well as the president of the supreme court and the attorney-general. The moves against Globovision, which is closely associated with opposition political parties, have been accompanied by a broader assault against Mr Chavez' opponents. Critics say the actions are aimed at silencing dissent.

Manuel Rosales, who campaigned against Mr Chavez in the 2006 presidential race, fled the country to escape corruption charges and has been granted asylum in Peru. General Raul Baduel, who stepped down as defence minister in 2007 to become a leading opposition figure, was imprisoned this year, also accused of corruption. The recently elected opposition mayor of Caracas, Antonio Ledezma, had most of his power stripped when Mr Chavez handpicked a new official.

Analysts expect Globovision to be sanctioned, resulting, in the first instance, in the suspension of broadcasting for 72 hours. Four cases have been brought against Globovision in recent months. It is accused of broadcasting an opposition governor claiming early victory in elections, inciting fear in its coverage of the earthquake, and airing a chat show in which a guest said Mr Chavez would end up "hung with his head down" like Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. Only after Globovision has been sanctioned three times can the government legally shut it down.

Andres Canizalez, a media expert at Andres Bello Catholic University in Caracas, s