CNN; The assassin network

Hugo Chavez has accused CNN of plotting his assassination, according to Reuters;

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Wednesday CNN may have been instigating his murder when the U.S. TV network showed a photograph of him with a label underneath that read “Who killed him?”

The caption appeared to be a production mistake — confusing a Chavez news item with one on the death of a football star. The anchor said “take the image down” when he realized.

But Chavez called for a probe in an interview on state television, where he repeatedly reviewed a tape of the broadcast, questioning why the unconnected photograph and wording were left on screen for several seconds.

“I want the state prosecutor to look into bringing a suit against CNN for instigating murder in Venezuela,” he said. “… undoubtedly it is part of the psychological warfare.”

Yeah, the cheese has slid right off of Chavez’ cracker. But what gets me is the lengths to which Reuters will go to defend CNN;

The anti-U.S. president often denounces plots to kill him without providing much detailed evidence. On Tuesday, he said a sniper trained his gun on him at a political rally this month.

And

Well-known for wild accusations and harsh insults, Chavez usually focuses his attacks against the United States during campaigns. With the Bush administration avoiding being drawn into a spat, he has become involved in disputes with Spain and Colombia and repeatedly lambasted the Roman Catholic Church.

In defense of CNN Reuters does everything except send the men in white suits to pick up Chavez. But let him accuse the Bush Administration of trying to kill him and all Reuters gives us is “A Bush Administration official later denied that this Administration has as it’s official policy the assassination of pudgy lunatics in red shirts.”

Category: Hugo Chavez, Media, Politics