The United Nations and the Organization of American States said Saturday they are worried over Venezuelan government statements about an independent TV station that has criticized President Hugo Chavez, CNN reported.
In a joint release, freedom of expression investigators Frank LaRue of the U.N. and Catalina Botero of the O.A.S. "express their concern in light of the statements made by the highest-level government authorities, which generate an atmosphere of intimidation in which the right to freedom of expression is seriously limited."
Venezuela denied the allegations.
"We reject and condemn use of the name of such institutions as the U.N. and the O.A.S to attack member states while defending private monopolies that are accustomed to abuse of power and violating human rights," said Venezuela's U.N. Ambassador Jorge Valero.
At issue is the Globovision TV station, the sole remaining national broadcaster in Venezuela that is openly critical of Chavez.
The government has opened an investigation into whether Globovision broke the law May 4 when it reported about an earthquake before an official report had been issued on the matter.
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