An on-air confrontation, in which a Venezuelan politician slapped a journalist, has sparked debate about issues of free speech.

Congresswoman Iris Varela stormed onto the set of Gustavo Azocar's morning programme on Tuesday in the southwestern state of Tachira, shouting: "I'm demanding a right of reply from this man who has offended me all the time on this programme."

Mrs Varela slapped Mr Azocar in the face several times - breaking his glasses - and then hit him with the microphone, accusing him of slander after he wrote about the death of her infant son years ago.

Mr Azocar is an outspoken critic of leftist President Hugo Chavez, and Mrs Varela is one of Mr Chavez's close allies in the National Assembly.

The politician said her outrage had nothing to do with politics and everything to do with a dishonourable airing of her private life.

The incident came as a visiting delegation of the Miami-based Inter American Press Association expressed concern about what it said are threats, intimidation and government pressure facing the press.

Delegation member Gonzalo Marroquin said the group is worried about one measure under proposed constitutional reforms that critics warn could allow the government to censor the media if Mr Chavez declares a state of emergency.

Mr Azocar said after the incident that he holds Mrs Varela, the state governor and Mr Chavez himself responsible for anything that could happen to him or his three children as a result.

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