Jim Wyss, Miami Herald Reporter, Detained by Venezuelan Authorities UPDATED

Miami Herald's South America bureau chief Jim Wyss was detained last night by Venezuelan government authorities. Wyss, who is based in Bogota, was just across the border in southwestern Venezuela reporting on the country's chronic food shortages when he was detained, the Herald reports. "We are very concerned," said Herald...

By Michael E. Miller

November 8, 2013

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Miami Herald's South America bureau chief Jim Wyss was detained last night by Venezuelan government authorities. Wyss, who is based in Bogota, was just across the border in southwestern Venezuela reporting on the country's chronic food shortages when he was detained, the Herald reports.

"We are very concerned," said Herald executive editor Aminda Marqués Gonzalez. "There doesn't seem to be any basis for his detention and we're trying to figure out what's going on. We are asking that Jim Wyss be released immediately."

UPDATE: Wyss has been freed and is doing well. Read more about his release here.

Herald editors say they are working non-stop on his release.

Reporters from around the world have called for Wyss's release. Here are a few reactions from twitter:

The worst thing that happens to me when I write something I don't like is a tongue-lashing. @jimwyss puts his freedom on the line.
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) November 8, 2013

This makes me so sad! @MiamiHerald reporter @JimWyss detained in #Venezuela http://t.co/NL7a0c5cJB
— Andrea Torres (@miamicrime) November 8, 2013

Venezuela crosses a serious line and detains @miamiherald reporter @jimwyss on border with Colombia http://t.co/I8MUnqEhpu
— Danny Rivero (@TooMuchMe) November 8, 2013

.@jimwyss is one of the coolest guys i know and a fabulous journalist. this news troubles me deeply: http://t.co/65VUYCuuCN #pressfreedom
— Robert Samuels (@newsbysamuels) November 8, 2013

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Michael E. Miller was a staff writer at Miami New Times for five years. His work for New Times won many national awards, including back-to-back-to-back Sigma Delta Chi medallions. He now covers local enterprise for the Washington Post.

Contact: Michael E. Miller