The Supreme Court, updating a 2023 ruling on media liability, says outlets will only be on the hook if they act negligently or knowingly broadcast defamatory statements. They must also guarantee a right of reply to any implicated third party.
Two new laws that impose new restrictions on independent media, plus the suspension of funding through US agencies, leave the Venezuelan press with few options for survival.
These were the main challenges faced by journalism and press freedom during Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s government in Mexico.
Brazilian political and business leaders are opening flurries of lawsuits against multiple journalists all at once, with the effect of inhibiting future critical coverage.
La Prensa, a top Panamanian newspaper, faces a major lawsuit from ex-President Ernesto Pérez Balladares. The case underscores the growing threats to independent media in the country.
Twenty-five civil society organizations working in different Latin American countries presented in a public hearing before the IACHR the problems faced in the region regarding state censorship measures. They said these measures directly affect the press and human rights defenders and are intended to undermine oversight of powers and public criticism.
The Supreme Federal Court of Brazil established that coordinated lawsuits against journalists are a form of judicial harassment and also set the precedent that errors are an intrinsic part of the profession. Experts consider the actions positive and important steps, but say they’re insufficient to end abuse of the courts against the press.
Peruvian journalist Gustavo Gorriti is currently facing an investigation by the prosecutor's office for the alleged crime of bribery and his communications have been requested. Several organizations have said the case is retaliation for his journalistic work. Gorriti spoke with LJR about this investigation against him, his response to the attacks and even the lessons that he’s gained from this process.
Directors of El Faro (El Salvador) and Confidencial (Nicaragua) pointed to risk assessment, complete trust between editors and reporters, legal defense and psychological support as fundamental elements to preserve the well-being and safety of their teams in the face of harassment, threats and criminalization.
The Governing Council of the Gabo Foundation recognized Guatemalan journalist José Rubén Zamora with its 2024 Recognition of Journalistic Excellence for his more than three decades work revealing corruption and abuses of power in his country. Zamora has been in prison for more than 650 days in connection with multiple controversial judicial proceedings.
As part of closing remarks at the 25th International Symposium on Online Journalism, Romina Mella and José Zamora shed light on legal cases and jail time facing their colleague in Peru and father in Guatemala, respectively. ISOJ participants were called on to support these two renowned journalists.
Eighteen journalists in Brazil face legal cases after publishing about the state governor of Mato Grosso, Mauro Mendes. They argue that the police and judicial apparatus of the state is being used to silence voices that publish information unfavorable to the governor.