Venezuelans self‑censor because of US power: ‘Now I don’t know whether I should fear the CIA’

The phrase is exaggerated, but it conveys a shared feeling: “I used to be afraid of the SEBIN [Bolivarian National Intelligence Service] and now I don’t know whether I should fear the CIA.” An opposition lawmaker utters it on a hot September morning in Caracas, and it reflects a growing fear among politicians, journalists, businesspeople and human rights advocates. The power of the United States in Venezuela and its support for Delcy Rodríguez’s government leaves them bewildered and cautious. Just as repression for saying what you think was beginning to ease, a new fear has arisen: crossing the interests of the world’s preeminent power. Visas, project funding and the risk of ostracism are at stake.

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