Press Releases

Freedom House today released the following statement regarding the death of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez:

“With the passing of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Freedom House urges the government in Caracas to follow the steps laid out in the Venezuelan constitution which states that, in the case of a permanent absence of the president, the leader of the National Assembly should temporarily assume the presidency and elections must be called in 30 days. Freedom House calls on the government and the opposition to commit themselves to ensuring a fair and democratic campaign and election and a peaceful presidential transition.  We extend our condolences to the family of Hugo Chavez for their loss."

Freedom House President David Kramer met with European Union Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle, to discuss policies for encouraging greater respect for human rights in Belarus, Ukraine, and Georgia.

A new report released today by Freedom House and the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) finds that the dangers that journalists face in Mexico extend to cyberspace, with a growing number of murders and cyber-attacks against those reporting on corruption, organized crime, and drug-trafficking. Most Mexican journalists have been attacked or know someone who has been attacked, and many lack the basic knowledge to remain safe using new technologies.