Renowned Colombian journalist Hollman Morris, who the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas reported in June was denied a visa to the United States, has been ruled permanently ineligible for a visa under the "terrorist activities" section of the USA Patriot Act, according to the Associated Press.
In yet another demonstration of bad blood between the Argentine government and the largest media group in the country, the newspaper Clarín published a statement decrying the "escalation of administrative and judicial persecution" of the press.
In a public act of reparation this week, Argentina has recognized its responsibility for the wrongful prison sentence of journalist Eduardo Kimel, who died in February, reported Página 12.
The media suffering most from the killings of at least eight journalists this year in Mexico are those in the interior of the country who are essentially defenseless against the violence, reported the Inter Press Service (IPS).
The Cuban government has said it will release 52 political prisoners, including opposition activists and journalists, The New York Times reported.
Dissident Cuban journalist Guillermo Fariñas, on a hunger strike for more than four months to demand the release of political prisoners on the island, said he is aware his death is approaching and that brothers Fidel y Raúl Castro are responsible for his future death, reported the news agencies EFE and AFP.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez upped his verbal attacks against opposition television station Globovisión, and reiterated that the government could confiscate the channel's stock in order to recuperate the money he alleges the station owners stole, reported El Universal and the Associated Press.
The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) condemned an “aggressive" television ad campaign by the government of Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa against independent news media.
Vicky Peláez will be placed under house arrest and be forced to wear an electronic monitor, while the other nine suspects arrested for spying for Russia remain in custody, reported Reuters. Bail for the Peruvian journalist was set at $250,000, and she could be released as soon as next week, added El Comercio.
The government of Álvaro Colom has denounced a supposed plot to destabilize the country by various groups who are supported by "biased media" that "sell their pens to the highest bidder,” reported Siglo XXI and EFE.
Amnesty International reported that Cuba's repressive legal system has resulted in an atmosphere of fear for journalists, dissidents and activists, "putting them at risk of arbitrary arrest and harassment."
President Evo Morales enacted an electoral law that is drawing criticism from the opposition and the press for being a gag for the media during election times, reported La Razón.