Venezuela TV station raided

Globovision journalists took to the channel's roof to report

The authorities in Venezuela have seized broadcasting equipment from the 24-hour television news channel, Globovision, known for its criticism of President Hugo Chavez.

The move has not taken Globovision off the air, but it makes live links to reporters in the streets impossible.

The TV station's director, Alberto Federico Ravell, said the measure was the first step towards shutting down the channel.

But Information Minister Jesse Chacon said that inspectors had moved in because Globovision had been broadcasting on illegal frequencies.

Crowds gathered outside Globovision's studios in Caracas, waving flags and blowing whistles as officials from the state telecommunications body Conatel removed equipment from the roof.

National Guard troops used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters outside Conatel's headquarters who were throwing paint and bottles.

Several transmission dishes and antennae were taken away from the station.

Globovision can now apply for the return of the confiscated equipment, and a decision must be taken within 90 days.

"We consider this an illegal and irregular seizure," said Mr Ravell.

But Mr Chacon countered: "There is no move to take Globovision off the air."

'On the alert'

Globovision is one of a quartet of television stations which President Hugo Chavez has called the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse", because of their attacks on his administration.

Opponents say Chavez is curbing freedom of expression

He has previously threatened to revoke their broadcasting licences.

The stations openly supported a general strike last year aimed at forcing the president's resignation.

On Friday, President Chavez said he would stop private television channels from broadcasting statements from dissident military officers.

"We are on the alert and we will remain on the alert for any sign of excess, especially from the media... We will apply the law where we have to," he said.

The head of the Organisation of American States, Cesar Gaviria, who recently brokered an accord to ease tension between the president and the opposition, expressed concern over the move. Reuters news agency reported.

"We hope this situation is clarified soon so it cannot be interpreted as an obstruction or slight to freedom of expression," Mr Gaviria said in a statement.