Miami Herald Reporter Detained in Caracas, Now Released
CARACAS, VENEZUELA (CBSMiami) – Miami Herald Andean bureau chief, Jim Wyss,who had been detained by Venezuelan authorities was released Saturday.
According to CBS4's news partner the Miami Herald, after almost 48 hours in custody, Wyss was released to U.S. Embassy officials who confirmed that he had not been mistreated.
Soon after his release, Wyss tweeted, "A sincere thanks to everyone who helped win my speedy release and to the Venezuelan authorities who made it possible."
"We are just glad that this episode is over and that Jim is safe and doing well. We are grateful to everyone here and in Caracas who helped bring this matter to a close," said Mindy Marques, the executive editor of the Miami Herald.
The paper reported that Wyss was in Venezuela reporting on the country's shortages and municipal elections when he was detained Thursday and remained in custody on Friday.
Wyss, the paper reports as told by local sources, was at first detained by the National Guard. He was then transferred to the country's counter military intelligence, Dirección General de Inteligencia Militar (Dgim), in San Cristóbal, Táchira.
In an attempt to secure his return, according to the paper, Herald editors spent much of Friday talking to Venezuelan government officials.
The paper reported that Venezuela's Ministry of Information (MinCi) officials were unable to comment as to why Wyss was detained.
For more information, or to read the article, click here.
©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed material for this report.)
