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Press Freedom

Brazilian Supreme Court justice dismisses journalist's complaint related to leaking of judicial messaging

"Supreme Federal Court (STF, for its Portuguese acronym) Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the dismissal of a criminal complaint that sought the opening of an investigation against former Superior Electoral Court (TSE) advisor Eduardo Tagliaferro and bloggers David Ágape and Eli Vieira, linked to the leaking of messages from auxiliary judges of Moraes at the […]

State Security arrests and prevents Cuban journalist Yoani Sánchez from attending event with U.S. diplomat in Havana

"The independent journalist and activist Yoani Sánchez, director of the digital media 14ymedio, was arrested this Wednesday [Jan. 28] in the streets of Havana by State Security agents, in an attempt to prevent her from attending a diplomatic reception organized by the U.S. chief of mission in Cuba, Mike Hammer. According to the report published […]

Costa Rica’s press freedom hangs in the balance ahead of presidential election

"For decades, Costa Rica was held up as Central America’s democratic exception: a country without an army, with strong democratic institutions and a press able to scrutinize those in power without facing systematic retaliation. That reputation is now being tested as Costa Rica heads into presidential elections that will culminate in a first round on […]

Cuban authorities detain independent journalist for third time in 12 days

“Independent journalist Henry Constantin Ferreiro, head of the online news outlet La Hora de Cuba, posted a message on Facebook after his release on Monday [Jan. 26], following his arrest for the third time in January 2026, along with fellow journalist Alejandra García. Both were detained by State Security and released hours later. “ ‘My […]

Ecuadoran press groups warn bill could shield officials from criticism

When Camila León, an assembly member from the National Democratic Action (ADN for its initials in Spanish), introduced a bill to reform Article 396 of the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code (COIP), she said: “Without a free press, there is no democracy.” Article 396 states that anyone who uses violent, aggressive or hostile expressions on social […]

Cuban journalists continue reporting on island even from exile

"The struggle to maintain independent reporting now falls largely on those outside the island. Through conversations with four exiled journalists, a picture emerges of a movement that is physically displaced but editorially undeterred. It is worth noting that there are still journalists in Cuba doing independent journalism despite their government’s repression. [...] There has been […]

Journalism student released after conviction for incitement to hatred is overturned

"Venezuela’s National Union of Press Workers (SNTP for its initials in Spanish) confirmed on Sunday, Jan. 25, the release of journalism student Juan Francisco Alvarado, who had been detained for more than 10 months after being accused of the crime of inciting hatred. […] Alvarado was sentenced on Thursday, Jan. 22, to 15 years in […]

15-year sentence against Venezuelan journalism student for reporting on flaws in services

"The Venezuelan judicial system issued a sentence on Nov. 11, 2025, against Juan Francisco Alvarado, a 31-year-old social communication student. The National Union of Press Workers (SNTP, for its Spanish acronym) denounced the case, stating that the process lacked evidence and due process guarantees and that the case became an example of the criminalization of […]

Decree sets jail time and stiff fines for Haitian journalists, digital distributors

"A Transitional Presidential Council (CPT, for its French acronym) decree establishing jail time and fines for Haitian journalists and digital media distributors has set off alarm bells across the country and abroad. Advocates for an open press and freedom of expression warn the directive opens the door to expanded state control over speech — all […]

Mexican crime reporter released from house arrest, still faces obstruction charge

"Journalist Rafael León Segovia, a police beat reporter in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, regained his freedom on Thursday [Jan. 22] after being under house arrest due to his indictment for the crimes of obstruction of justice and crimes against public security institutions. In an interview with local media, León Segovia said that he had obtained a federal […]

Paraguayan lawyer arrested as part of investigation into threats against journalist

"Lawyer Zully Ortiz was arrested this morning [Jan. 21] during a raid on her home, carried out by a team of prosecutors and police officers who subsequently raided her law office, both located in Asunción. The lawyer, who is being prosecuted in the case known as the 'promissory note mafia,' is suspected of instigating the […]

Uruguayan journalist summoned to appear at police station due to defamation complaint

"On Dec. 17, Sebastián Cabrera, a journalist for the newspaper El País [of Uruguay], received a call from Police Station 11 in Piriápolis. He was informed that he had to appear at the station to give a statement because a complaint had been filed against him for defamation, stemming from a news article about Richard […]