Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on the closure of Radio Caracas Television (RCTV) after the Venezuelan government refused to renew its broadcasting license:
“The decision by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez not to renew the license of Radio Caracas Television in order to silence criticism is exactly the kind of action that raises concern about his leadership. President Chavez should know that efforts to suppress the media will not only ultimately fail, but are also a detriment to one of the pillars democracy: freedom of expression. He should reconsider this ill-advised decision.
“The United States Senate has already called upon the Organization of American States to respond appropriately, and the House may consider similar action soon.”
