Hugo Chavez wins press freedom award
When you think of Hugo Chavez and journalism, his repeated habit of shutting down TV stations that are critical of his government and supporting legislation to punish "press crimes," might be the first thing that comes to mind. But one Argentine University doesn’t see it that way: The University of La Plata said it was ...
When you think of Hugo Chavez and journalism, his repeated habit of shutting down TV stations that are critical of his government and supporting legislation to punish "press crimes," might be the first thing that comes to mind. But one Argentine University doesn't see it that way:
The University of La Plata said it was honouring him for his efforts to break "media monopolies" in Latin America and support "popular communication".
The award has angered critics who accuse Mr Chavez of stifling opposition media in Venezuela.
When you think of Hugo Chavez and journalism, his repeated habit of shutting down TV stations that are critical of his government and supporting legislation to punish "press crimes," might be the first thing that comes to mind. But one Argentine University doesn’t see it that way:
The University of La Plata said it was honouring him for his efforts to break "media monopolies" in Latin America and support "popular communication".
The award has angered critics who accuse Mr Chavez of stifling opposition media in Venezuela.
Earlier Mr Chavez signed a series of commercial accords with his Argentine counterpart, Cristina Fernandez.
The university said it was giving Mr Chavez the Rodolfo Walsh award for "his commitment to defending the liberty of the people, consolidating Latin American unity, and defending human rights, truth and democratic values".
Giving Chavez a prize named for Rodolfo Walsh, a journalist "disappeared" during Argentina’s military rule, is especially unfortunate given the jailing of critical journalists in Venezuela.
Maybe he can keep the award next to his Qaddafi Prize for Human Rights.
Joshua Keating was an associate editor at Foreign Policy. Twitter: @joshuakeating
More from Foreign Policy

Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.

It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.

Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.

Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.