Venezuelan police assault journalist during student protest in Caracas

On 18 May 2026, a protest by Central University of Venezuela students took place in Plaza Venezuela. During the demonstration a National Police officer tried to seize the camera of independent photojournalist Rafael Hernández, ripping his microphone before returning the equipment after the journalist protested. The press union SNTP reported: “Un funcionario policial intentó arrebatarle la cámara al fotoperiodista independiente Rafael Hernández, durante la manifestación que tuvo lugar este lunes, 18 de mayo.”

Protesters also said they spotted a suspected infiltrator filming the march, prompting concerns about unauthorized surveillance of the demonstration.