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Press Freedom

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Political parties and candidates resort to lawsuits to silence journalists during elections: A growing trend in Brazil

A study by the Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism (Abraji) found a 14% increase in the number of lawsuits against journalists and media outlets asking for the removal of content related to the 2022 elections. This is compared to 2018. Researchers highlight the impact on press freedom and the democratic process, as well as trends for municipal elections in 2024.

Sculpture created in 1961 by the Brazilian artist Alfredo Ceschiatti, carved from a monolithic block of Petrópolis granite. It stands at 3.3 meters in height and 1.48 meters in width, representing the judiciary as a blindfolded woman holding a sword. The blindfold symbolizes impartiality in justice, while the sword signifies the strength, courage, order, and rule required to uphold the law

Are media outlets responsible for what’s said in interviews? Deciphering a Brazilian Supreme Court decision

Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court ruled in November that, when a media outlet publishes an interview that contains false information, legal responsibility for that information may fall on the outlet. In a country with a lack of legislation on the issue and where judicial harassment of journalists is growing, the decision worries experts.

crowd of people silhouette over a Panamanian flag

Attacks on journalists during anti-mining protests reveal growing hostility towards press in Panama

For more than a month, Panama was embroiled in protests against a state mining contract. While covering the conflict, journalists reported use of force and attacks by protesters and police. However, there is no precise record of the number of attacks around the country.

a lady justice statue with her mouth

Cases in Brazil and Chile illustrate how criminalization of defamation threatens press freedom in Latin America

The cases of Brazilian journalist Schirlei Alves and Chilean journalist Felipe Soto Cortés reveal the impact of the criminalization of defamation on press freedom in Latin America. A ruling by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights against Chile points the way to combating the use of criminal law to silence journalists in the region.

vote ballot and camaras

Stigmatization and attacks on journalists affect journalistic practice during Latin American elections in 2023

Stigmatization, threats, detentions, and intimidation are some of the attacks faced by journalists when covering elections in Latin America. In the last semester of 2023, these attacks became evident in the electoral processes in Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela.

#EndImpunity

517 journalists killed in Americas in last 25 years; vast majority of cases go unpunished

On Nov. 2, 2023, the world marks another International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. Impunity in cases of violence against members of the media continues to be the norm as killers largely go free. In the Americas, Haiti, Brazil and Mexico top the list of countries globally where murders of journalists go unpunished.

Featured Image Journalists with cases in impunity

#ENDIMPUNITY: Justice in crimes against Latin American journalists demands long fight

To mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, which is celebrated every Nov. 2, LatAm Journalism Review (LJR) is highlighting four cases of journalists from Latin America and the Caribbean that, for the most part, remain unpunished.

Woman in dark blue dress with black sleeves give a double thumbs up at the Chilean deputies chamber.

Chilean Chamber of Deputies approves bill regulating safety of journalists, communications workers

Fifty years after the coup in Chile, the Chilean National Congress is moving forward with legislation to regulate the protection of journalists and communications workers. Thus, the South American country is at the forefront in this matter at the international level.

fire in the amazon forest

Local, independent and pluralistic journalism in the Brazilian Amazon is crucial to tackle the climate emergency, says RSF

A report by Reporters Without Borders shows the results of a year of monitoring attacks on the press in the Brazilian Amazon. The organization connects the journalistic and climate emergencies in the region, highlighting the importance of independent and local journalism in tackling one of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced.

Edifício em pedra que serve como sede do jornal El Comercio em Lima, Peru

After 10 years, judge rules that El Comercio has monopoly in print in Peru; he is penalized soon after

After 10 years of legal proceedings, a Peruvian judge of the first instance annulled the purchase of Grupo Epensa by Grupo El Comercio, claiming that this transaction creates a monopoly that threatens freedom of expression. The decision has been seen as historic, but still faces appeals in higher courts.

Black and white picture of a young woman

'I do journalism because that’s my way of life,' says Nayeli Roldán, 2023 Cabot Prize Special Citation recipient

Nayeli Roldán does not do journalism for the recognition. Since childhood, it became clear to her this profession would be her path, despite having grown up in a context of inequality. LatAm Journalism Review spoke with Roldán about her recent recognition and her plans to continue doing rigorous and service-oriented journalism.

Hombre con traje negro y camisa de rayas mirando a la cámara sonriendo en un fondo claro

‘It’s a complex region, but with a very vibrant press’: Carlos Lauría, executive director-elect of the Inter American Press Association

Argentine journalist Carlos Lauría will take over as executive director of the Inter American Press Association on Nov. 12. In an interview with LJR, he spoke about the challenges that lie ahead and his goals in supporting press freedom and media empowerment in the region.