“The Internet cannot be something open where anything is said and done. Every country has to apply its own rules and norms.”

Chavez is said to have singled out one website as an example where such an “open” policy has troubled him. Noticierodigital had a news story up for two days suggesting that Diosdado Cabello, a senior minister and close aide of Chavez, had been assassinated.

“We have to act. We are going to ask the attorney general for help, because this is a crime. I have information that this page periodically publishes stories calling for a coup d’etat. That cannot be permitted,” Chavez said.