Thousands of people have taken to streets in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, to express their support for President Hugo Chavez in his decision to take Radio Caracas TV off air.

The rally follows three days of violent protests by journalists and students who condemned the move as a violation of freedom of speech.

The pro-government rally underlines the popularity of Hugo Chavez's vocal criticism of the U.S. foreign policy.

Meanwhile, Chavez has threatened other stations that they, too, could lose their license for what he calls “media terrorism”.