REYES THEIS
EL UNIVERSAL

The Inter-American Court on Human Rights officially advised the Venezuelan State that it has granted a complaint filed by the workers of Caracas-based private television station RCTV, the TV network said in a news release.

The Court decision is the preliminary step of judicial proceedings at this international body. RCTV argues that the Venezuelan State perpetrated "human rights violations, violation of freedom of expression, personal integrity, legal rights and protection" against the TV station workers.
 
In 2002, a number of RCTV workers filed a complaint against the Venezuelan State with the Inter American Commission on Human Rights "in virtue of continued curtailment of freedom of expression resulting from a number of physical and moral assailment, serious attacks and aggressions perpetrated against reporters, other workers and officers of this news media, including threats by senior government officials to revoke or terminate the broadcast license for RCTV."

Ending last month, the Commission informed that last April 20 it filed with the Inter American Court a lawsuit against the Venezuelan State.

Now, the Court will call a public hearing at the courthouse to learn about the allegations and evidence produced by the parties. Following such hearing, the Court is to issue a ruling on the Venezuelan State's international liability for alleged human rights violation and failure to provide an effective remedy to the victims.

Further, the Court is expected to dictate, if necessary, the relevant remedies and damages for the victims, in accordance with the Inter American Convention on Human Rights.

Avoiding closure
Meanwhile, Marco Tulio Bruni Celli, former president of the Inter American Commission on Human Rights, believes the Court could grant precautionary measures to prevent RCTV from stopping operations.

Bruni Celli reminded that under article 63, Inter American Convention on Human Rights, "In cases of extreme gravity and urgency, and when necessary to avoid irreparable damage to persons, the Court shall adopt such provisional measures as it deems pertinent in matters it has under consideration."

He added that, with a view to avoid irreparable damage to RCTV workers, the Court could order the Venezuelan State to allow RCTV to continue operating, as the Court continues to hear the case and takes a final decision.

Bruni Celli suggested that if the Court grants such provisional measure to prevent RCTV closure, the Venezuelan State has an obligation to abide by this resolution. He added that under article 67, Inter American Convention on Human Rights, "The judgment of the Court shall be final and not subject to appeal." Therefore, there is no way to avoid compliance with the Court rulings without being deemed a "fugitive State."

Student demonstration
Journalism students at Monteávila University, northeast Caracas, Thursday demonstrated to show support for RCTV. They blocked a major highway in the Venezuelan capital city.

Some demonstrators claimed they were advocating freedom of expression and urged President Hugo Chávez to reconsider his decision not to renew the broadcast license for RCTV, which expires next May 27 at midnight.

Translated by Maryflor Suárez R.
msuarez@eluniversal.com