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Press Freedom

UNESCO and Caribbean Court of Justice partner to strengthen freedom of expression and journalist safety

In a pivotal move to bolster the protection of freedom of expression, journalist safety and other fundamental freedoms, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement underscores the shared commitment to upholding democratic principles and enhancing the rule […]

Argentina eliminates tax exemptions for newspapers, magazines and online subscriptions

“Javier Milei's government in Argentina announced the decision to eliminate Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions for the sale of newspapers, magazines, and digital subscriptions of news media. This was communicated by spokesman Manuel Adorni in the conference in which he also informed the dissolution of the Federal Agency of Public Revenues. 'With this modification, the […]

International concerns over threats against judge handling case of José Rubén Zamora in Guatemala

"The United Nations (UN) special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite, as well as 19 international organizations, expressed their concern about reports of threats and intimidation against the judge handling the case against the founder of elPeriódico, José Rubén Zamora. On her X account, the United Nations rapporteur wrote that she […]

Mexico: CPJ condemns Sinaloa governor's 'verbal attacks' against journalist

“The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned 'verbal attacks' from the governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya, after he  held journalists Azucena Uresti and Luis Chaparro responsible for what may happen to him. This follows reports that have emerged about the wave of violence affecting Culiacán and about discoveries and possible links to organized crime. […]

A ‘culture of silence’ threatens press freedom under El Salvador President Bukele, press freedom organizations find

Since El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency in March 2022, local journalists and human rights organizations have raised concerns that Bukele has repeatedly renewed the state of emergency in a bid to systemically silence dissent and dismantle press freedom. The Salvadoran Journalists Association (APES) documented 311 attacks –including harassment, doxxing, threats, […]

Venezuela cancels passports of dozens of activists and journalists, human rights group says

"Venezuela has cancelled the passports of dozens of journalists and activists since Nicolás Maduro claimed a re-election victory, part of what rights groups say is an intensifying campaign of repression against the authoritarian president’s opponents. At least 40 people — mostly journalists and human rights activists — have had their passports annulled without explanation, according […]

Several journalists flee Cuba after state agents question, pressure at least 8

"CPJ is alarmed by reports that since mid-September, Cuban state security agents questioned at least eight journalists and media workers from non-state media outlets, many in connection to alleged crimes against the state, leading several to flee the country. [...] Cuban news website El Toque, which operates from exile, reported that the journalists were summoned […]

Survey identifies perpetrators behind violations against journalists in Bolivia

"The first National Survey on violations of human rights in journalistic work carried out by the Ombudsman's Office [of Bolivia] reveals that journalists identify social organizations, mobilized groups, their employers, political leaders, public entities and public forces as the main violators of their rights. Distrust in courts, fear of reprisals and practical limitations, such as […]

Colombian president orders security measures for journalists after reports of threats against them

"This Thursday [Oct. 10], Colombian President Gustavo Petro asked to 'immediately activate security routes' for the Colombian media outlet Vorágine, which reported threats for its investigations related to paramilitarism and drug trafficking, and six other journalists identified as 'high risk.' [...] Vorágine published a statement on Thursday that said, 'Due to situations that compromise our […]

Bolivian journalists condemn hostility from former president Evo Morales’ representatives

“The National Association of Bolivian Journalists and the Circle of Women Journalists of La Paz rejected this Tuesday [Oct. 8] 'the disqualification, disrespect and aggressiveness' of spokespersons and lawyers of former Bolivian President Evo Morales against journalists. 'We reject the disqualification, disrespect and aggressiveness of spokespersons and lawyers of Mr. Evo Morales Ayma against journalists […]

Colombian Media Association calls on citizens to protect press freedom in face of 'alarmingly deteriorating levels'

“The Colombian Media Association (AMI, by its initials in Spanish) –the organization that represents most of the country's print media [...]– published a statement [on Oct. 3] urging citizens to protect the rights of freedom of the press, of information and of expression, in the face of constant threats that seek to ‘limit democracy in […]

Venezuelan regime closes newspaper La Voz, which circulated for 58 years

"The National Integrated Service of Customs and Tax Administration (Seniat, for its abbreviation in Spanish) ordered the closure of the newspaper La Voz. A commission appeared at the warehouses where the newspaper is printed and closed the facilities. It is one of the few print publications left in Venezuela. The newspaper has circulated for 58 […]