“For over two decades, Bolivian journalists have endured intimidation, legal harassment, and violence from political actors intent on silencing dissent. Now, journalists fear those attacks may intensify as the country races toward a hotly contested presidential election, in which no clear frontrunner has emerged.
‘We’re not choosing between democracy and authoritarianism,’ said reporter Rodrigo Fernández from Radio Erbol, one of the most listened to radio stations in the country. ‘We’re trying to survive in a system where journalism is punished on all sides, not protected.’
[…]
In the past five years, Bolivia has experienced an alarming rise in violence against journalists, particularly those covering protests and land disputes. Reported attacks have been carried out by supporters of the ruling MAS party, social leaders, and organized groups. For journalists, covering demonstrations are especially dangerous due to the widespread use of dynamite, a practice that became more common after it was decriminalized in 2016 under Morales.”
