Freedom of expression advocates say the cases against one of Guatemala’s most prominent journalists are in retaliation for his investigations into corruption.
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella takes office with a history of legal battles against journalists who have questioned him.
La Nación, a newspaper that reported on sexual harassment claims against ex-president Rodrigo Chaves, had faced sustained scrutiny from his administration.
To mark World Press Freedom Day, LJR asked reporters, press advocates, professors and media executives about the theme for this year’s UNESCO celebrations: peace.
Press freedom is categorized as either “difficult” or “very serious” in half of the countries in the region, according to Reporters Without Borders’ annual ranking.
A global initiative from the IWMF is helping three Latin American media outlets develop safety protocols for women journalists who face not only conflict but also misogynistic attacks that drive many to leave the profession.
After three months in prison, journalism student Omario Castellanos was released along with dozens of other journalists. Activists say Venezuela’s new amnesty law buries evidence of repression instead of addressing it.
Lawmakers voted to eliminate arrest penalties from a century-old press law, but some journalists remain saddled with complaints and fines. “Legally, I’m as good as dead,” one said.
The already limited media landscape on the island is restricted by the blocking of websites deemed critical of the government. The absence of El Toque’s site also affects those seeking to know the price of the dollar.
The director of former newspaper elPeriódico faces multiple criminal charges in cases international and national organizations criticize as flawed and politically motivated.
Three recent decisions tied to one media conglomerate uphold claims from women forced out after reporting sexual misconduct, underscoring the pervasiveness of newsroom harassment and the cost of defiance.
Rory Branker, an editor at online outlet La Patilla, has been detained for nearly a year, transferred without notice and never brought before court. He is among at least five press workers still held.