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Press Freedom

Collage of plane, notebook, light bulb, podcast equipment, laptop, chart, gavel barbed wire over a digitized map of Latin America

The most important stories of 2025, according to LJR

Journalists across Latin America face mounting pressure but persist. This year’s top stories show reporters forced into exile, resisting authoritarian smears, teaching media literacy and exposing multimillion-dollar fraud.

Illustration of journalists at work

Central American journalists discuss reporting and resistance amid democratic backsliding

During a recent webinar, journalists and scholars from northern Central America describe the threats and violence they face at home. For some, it’s led to exile, but not to giving up.

As Honduras heads to the polls, its reporters prepare for a dangerous assignment

With the military casting suspicion on the press and pushing to unmask sources, local journalists are turning to one another — and to bulletproof vests — to ensure they can cover their country’s elections.

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VIDEO: Exiled journalists from El Salvador, Nicaragua, Venezuela confront entrenched authoritarianism

The founders of Revista Factum, Efecto Cocuyo and Confidencial continue to document their governments’ repression. In a Knight Center panel, they explain why continuing their work from abroad is essential.

Collage of Mexican investigative journalism projects covers over a background of newspaper pages.

How violence, hostile rhetoric and economic precarity undercut Mexico's watchdog press

Historian Andrew Paxman’s new book traces the evolution of Mexico’s critical press — from its emergence in the 1990s to the political, criminal and financial pressures that now threaten it.

Nicaraguan journalist makes statement on state TV after 16 months missing, but some question her freedom

Fabiola Tercero appeared before pro-government media saying she’d never left home. Press groups fear it’s a staged “proof of life” meant to deflect attention from the Ortega-Murillo regime’s abuses.

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Exiled Latin American journalists to speak on repression, resistance and resilience

As repression and job insecurity drives reporters from their countries, founders of three independent outlets will discuss practicing journalism in exile during a free online event.

After exodus of journalists, press defenders in El Salvador also forced into exile

The Salvadoran Journalists Association says it can no longer report attacks on freedom of expression from within the country, citing a law that "criminalizes" them and restricts foreign funding.

Illustration of Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele and a crowd of people

In El Salvador, exodus of journalists signals authoritarian turn

At least 47 journalists have fled to Guatemala, Mexico and Europe, as Bukele criminalizes the press and opposition.

Ilustración de una mujer con un niño en brazos y otro de la mano subiendo una montaña mientras una persona ofrece ayuda

Even in exile, Central America’s women journalists face relentless online attacks

A new report finds online harassment, disproportionate caregiving burdens, and workplace bias are pushing exiled women journalists from Central America to altogether leave the profession.

Supporters hold a sign with an image of former President Evo Morales and a message that reads in Spanish; "Without Evo, there are no elections," during a protest demanding he be allowed to compete in the upcoming presidential election, near the Supreme Electoral Tribunal in La Paz, Bolivia, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

Ahead of Bolivia’s presidential election, reporters work with caution and body armor

Journalists in Bolivia are facing escalating political violence in the run-up to the August vote. Some have been abducted or assaulted, and press groups warn unrest may intensify after election day.

Jair Bolsonaro smiles during a ceremony with the Brazilian flag in the background

Brazil’s intelligence agency spied on reporters to discredit them, police say

A federal police report says Brazil’s intelligence agency illegally surveilled national and local journalists under the Bolsonaro administration. Victims say key details on how and why they were targeted remain hidden.