Venezuela's leftist government has announced a raft of measures which critics say will severely curtail freedom of expression.
The national assembly approved an amendment to redraw electoral districts. The opposition says the change will benefit President Hugo Chávez's party and improve its chances in next year's legislative elections. At the same time, the government has ordered the closure of 34 of the country's estimated 240 commercial radio stations following a review of their licenses.
Parliament has also passed a new law providing stiff punishments for journalists and publishers who "jeopardise the country's security and independence". President Chávez's government says a survey of 15 foreign publications shows their coverage of Venezuela is for the most part negative.
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