The investigative journalist claims that the intimidation tactics and smear campaigns against La Tabla, including an order to landowners in Barinas to target them, stem from corrupt actors manipulating state institutions, rather than directly from the Venezuelan government.
Víctor Hugo Majano, a journalist from La Tabla, stated that he has not received any direct pressure or threats from the Venezuelan state regarding his investigations. Instead, the intimidation seems to come from “subjects” and “individuals” embedded in state institutions who utilize the state for personal interests, often linked to corruption.
These comments were made by Majano during an interview with Professor Cristina González on her program “Esto es lo que hay,” broadcast on Radio Nacional de Venezuela (RNV Informativa) last Sunday, June 8. In the conversation, Majano addressed whether he faced pressures or threats in carrying out his journalistic work.
Discredit Campaigns and Targeted Attacks in Barinas
During the interview, Majano shared that in Barinas state, particularly last year and the year before, a campaign of attack and discredit was orchestrated against him. According to his statements, this campaign sought to link La Tabla with criminal activities related to “land rescue,” portraying them as promoters of such actions.
The journalist emphasized that, concerningly, landowners reporting agrarian conflicts were instructed to include La Tabla in their complaints, aiming to have their name recorded in the files. However, Majano asserted that this attempt “clearly failed.”
Physical Threats and Institutional Support
In addition to discredit campaigns, Majano mentioned receiving more direct threats, including physical attacks, associated with his investigations.
Despite these threats, the journalist stressed that support for his work comes directly from the President of the Republic, Nicolás Maduro, and other state instances, which he believes is evidenced by testimonies. This situation reinforces his position that the pressures do not come from the state as an institution, but rather from corrupt sectors that instrumentalize the state for their own ends. 🕵️♂️🤝