The FBI has requested raw footage from the documentary “Men of War,” which profiles Jordan Goudreau, a former Green Beret accused of plotting a coup in Venezuela. Filmmaker Jen Gatien, however, is refusing to turn over her materials.
The film documents Goudreau’s role in the 2020 attempt to overthrow Nicolás Maduro. According to Gatien, the FBI’s interest in the footage stems from its potential use in Goudreau’s legal case, where he faces charges of illegally shipping weapons.
MEN OF WAR, directed by Jen Gatien & Billy Corben.
This gripping documentary dives into the failed 2020 Venezuela coup led by ex-Green Beret Jordan Goudreau. Watch it at #DXIFF, Nov 7-10 in D.C. https://t.co/M46IL8jnCq pic.twitter.com/hiOciN75cW
— Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival & Symp (@DX_IFF) October 15, 2024
“They want access to 100 hours of footage, but legally they cannot have it,” Gatien said. “This is protected under journalistic privilege.”
Goudreau, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, remains under house arrest in Florida. Gatien, who posted bail on his behalf, believes the FBI’s request undermines the freedoms journalists rely on to report sensitive stories.
This is the alleged $212 million contract Juan Guaido signed with US mercenary Jordan Goudreau to execute a military coup against Venezuela’s elected govt. Goudreau has said the funding came from VZLA exiles in the US, but complained he wasn’t paid. https://t.co/0TN65mHXdE pic.twitter.com/NAFPGF0wPA
— Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) May 4, 2020
In Venezuelan custody, ex-Green Beret and Silvercorp mercenary Luke Denman confirms contract with Juan Guaido, says plan was to kidnap Venezuelan Pres. Maduro and fly him to the US as a captive #BayOfPiglets pic.twitter.com/hg46mbBfRz
— Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) May 6, 2020
Legal experts agree with her position. “Demands like this are rare and troubling,” said First Amendment attorney Mark Rasch. “Journalists must be able to work without fear of becoming part of government investigations.”
Gatien has vowed to fight any subpoena. “This is about more than one case,” she said. “It’s about preserving the rights of journalists to do their jobs without interference.”
