In Venezuela, thousands of supporters and opponents of the television network RCTV took to the streets this weekend in counterdemonstrations during the station’s final hours on air. The Venezuelan government decided not to renew RCTV’s television license earlier this year. Supporters like Caracas resident Mercedes Ramirez say Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is silencing the network over its criticism of his government.

Mercedes Ramirez: “These are the voices of the people who have risen to be against a decision that is arbitrary and which we cannot accept. Channel 2 (RCTV) is the heritage of all Venezuelans, and we are going to rescue it for the Venezuelans.”

Venezuela says it canceled RCTV over its support for the coup that briefly overthrew Chavez five years ago. RCTV broadcast footage falsely blaming Chavez supporters for violence, applauded coup leaders as they overthrew the government and then refused to report that Chavez had returned to power following mass protests. Venezuela says it will create a new public-service network in its place.

Caracas Mayor Juan Barreto: “Finally this frequency will return to the people, and we are going to bring forth a television station with a social character. What does this mean? A television station produced by independent producers.”