BBC instructs staff to avoid using the term ‘kidnapped’ regarding Maduro

The British public broadcaster BBC has sent a warning memo to its employees regarding the language to be used when reporting on the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces.

In an email sent to staff by the BBC News Editor, it was emphasized that specific expressions must be chosen “to ensure clarity and consistency in news reports.”

Ban on the term ‘kidnapped’

The note sent to staff gave instructions to avoid using the word “kidnapped” regarding Maduro’s situation.

The editor requested that instead of this expression, the verb “captured” be used by attributing it to the US definition of the operation, or “seized” be used in the organization’s own narratives.

In the message sent, the BBC News Editor included the following statements:

“As discussed in the nine o’clock meeting, please follow these guidelines when describing the recent events in Venezuela to ensure clarity and consistency in our reporting: Attribute the term ‘captured’ to the US definition of the operation. Example: ‘The US announced that Maduro was captured during the operation.’ Where appropriate, the term ‘seized’ can be used in our own reporting. Avoid using the term ‘kidnapped’.”

The controversial language warning came after the sounds of explosions and aircraft were heard in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, around 02:00 local time on January 3.

Following these explosions, the Venezuelan administration accused Washington of attacking civilian and military facilities in the country. US President Donald Trump announced that a large-scale attack had been organized against Maduro and that the Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been taken out of the country.

Heavy charges from the US Department of Justice

Making a statement regarding the legal dimension of the operation, US Attorney General Pam Bondi reported that a criminal complaint had been filed against Maduro and his wife Flores in the US.

Bondi announced that Maduro is facing charges of “narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices against the US.”