Hugo Chavez awarded posthumously with National Prize for Journalism

Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez was posthumously awarded with Simon Bolivar's National Prize for Journalism, Latin American media reported Thursday.

Photo: Source: Itar-Tass

According to the founders of the award, the prize was awarded to the leader of the Bolivarian Revolution for bringing word back to the oppressed around the world. The prize also honors the prominent role of Hugo Chavez in the struggle against media lies. The award will be handed over to the family of Chavez on June 27th.

The move caused mixed reactions in Venezuelan society, as the late president did not approve opposition media and was therefore accused of limiting freedom of speech in the country. However, according to Venezuelan authorities, private television and radio stations played the role of political players of bankrupt opposition parties, undermining the social order.