"In 2022, Latin America was the most dangerous region in the world to practice journalism. According to different NGO data, between 30 and 42 journalists were killed in that year. Although there are still no official figures for 2023, the picture is not very different: UNESCO states that 69 journalists from ten countries were killed in the region between January 2022 and July 2023. More than in Ukraine or Syria, countries at war.
The problem is not only the murders: Journalists suffer from non-lethal violence, threats, job insecurity, imprisonment, and being forced to live in exile. Countries such as El Salvador, Nicaragua, or Cuba are black holes for freedom of speech due to their authoritarian regimes, which make it almost impossible to practice journalism. In other countries, such as Brazil, Colombia, or Peru, in addition to threats to journalists who cover corruption and organized crime, those who report about indigenous communities, environmental issues, or migration also suffer violence."
Read original report from Mael Vallejo, vice president of content at Capital Digital (Mexico). This is part of the NiemanLab's Predictions for Journalism in 2024.
