The Salvadorian Broadcasters' Association (ASDER) repelled Wednesday the Venezuelan government decision not to renew a broadcast license for private TV channel Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV).

ASDER directors announced during a press conference that they will be off the air for five minutes next Monday, sometime between 13.00 and 02.00 GMT, in solidarity with RCTV.

The Venezuelan channel will end broadcasting at zero hours that day, Efe quoted.

According to ASDER president Carlos Renderos, the decision made by the government of President Hugo Chávez "to shut up a media outlet is a tough blow to democracy and freedom, not only in Venezuela, but all over Latin America."

José Roberto Dutriz, CEO of Salvadorian newspaper La Prensa Gráfica and regional Vice-President at the Inter American Press Association (IAPA), took the floor during the press conference. "The signal perceived by us is that in countries and governments such as Venezuela, challenge is forbidden, is a sin."