Venezuelans rally to protect Radio Caracas TV
Thousands of Venezuelans filled the streets of Caracas on Saturday to protest President Hugo Chávez’s plans to shut down Radio Caracas Television (reported here in January).
RCTV is being closed down in revenge for its alleged support of a coup attempt against Chávez in 2002.
Speaking to Cuban news agency Prensa Latina, General Alberto Muller claimed that Venezuela has “as much freedom of expression as anywhere in the world”, although he later confirmed that he was using the authoritarian definition of freedom of expression - the freedom to say whatever you like as long as you don’t disagree.
The general also condemned those who confuse freedom of speech with political insults, which does not allow respectful dialogue and debate.
When you’re talking to a man holding a gun, you’d better make sure that your dialogue is respectful.
Hat tip: FP Passport.
