Source: Sputnik Mundo
What’s it about: Sputnik talks to Greek documentarian Aris Chatzistefanou about his recent trip to Venezuela, his thoughts on the country and his new documentary, Make the Economy Scream. Chatzistefanou explains how he was expecting the worst, but that once he was inside the country he realized the image of Venezuela painted by the mainstream media was wrong.
Why it’s false: Sputnik is trying to paint Chatzistefanou as an impartial, outside voice to make readers believe his narrative on the situation in Venezuela. In the interview, Chatzistefanou admits Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has “some” of the responsibility for the current crisis, but goes on to say the majority of the blame is on the United States, most importantly the sanctions they’ve placed on the country. This statement is false. The economic crisis in Venezuela began before the U.S. started placing sanctions on Venezuelan officials and entities. Chatzistefanou also blames the U.S. for the humanitarian crisis and lack of medical supplies in the country. Once again, this was not caused by the U.S., but by the Maduro regime’s inability to manage the Venezuelan economy. Chatzistefanou has also been interviewed in RT, another Russian-owned media outlet.