Argentina Gave Journalism Award to Chavez

The Journalism Faculty of the state University La Plata (UNLP) gave a distinction to the President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez. The award Rodolfo Walsh to the popular communication generated controversy in Argentina. Meanwhile the dean of the Journalism Faculty and Communication Sciences of the UNLP, Florencia Saintout, justified the award to Chavez after stating that it is only recognition for his work and struggle for the identity of the Latin-American people, as well as the fight of the Venezuelans.

However soon after the announcement, the Director of the UNLP, Fernando Tauber, informed that the University did not support this decision. The senator and former journalist, Norma Morandini, a long-standing member of the Communication Media and Freedom of Expression for the Senate, criticized the award in declarations to AFP.

Morandini stated that Rodolfo Walsh fought against power; they should not give an award with his name to someone like Chavez who belongs to power. Meanwhile the Venezuelan leader said he was honored and rejected any inquiries.

Source: AFP