The landscape of freedom of expression in Central America is clouded by the looming shadows of authoritarian regimes, particularly in El Salvador and Honduras, alongside enduring anti-democratic elements in Guatemala’s judiciary. In Guatemala alone, the organisation Red Rompe el Miedo recorded a staggering 77 attacks on journalists within a single year, with government officials often orchestrating judicial harassment against those who dare to speak out.
Despite the executive’s nominal commitment to human rights, substantial failings persist. Notably, a troubling ruling from the Third Chamber of the Appellate Court reinstated Jose Rubén Zamora to prison on 10th March 2025, defying the UN’s judgement that deemed his detention arbitrary. This ruling sends a chilling message to independent media in Guatemala, further stifling critical voices and reinforcing a culture of fear.
Community journalists in Guatemala face frequent stigmatization and violence, largely due to inadequate recognition of their role. An observational mission reported a glaring lack of conditions for these journalists to operate effectively across various departments, cultivating a hostile environment for local journalism despite international calls for protection.
In Honduras, the UN’s recommendations for repealing honour offences remain unheeded, exacerbating an already precarious situation for journalists. Recent incidents illustrate how these laws are exploited to suppress voices of dissent, notably illustrated by the legal actions against eleven media personnel over claims of defamation against a military commander amidst an oppressive electoral backdrop.
El Salvador mirrors these trends with an increased prevalence of judicial harassment against journalists like Mónica Rodríguez and Ricardo Vaquerano, exacerbated by a prolonged state of emergency. Such tactics are perceived as state-sanctioned efforts to silence critical reporting that challenges authority.
Nicaragua is grappling with a severe human rights crisis, stifling independent journalism. Even those striving to elevate civic discourse do so at great personal risk, as confirmed by the persistent fear among journalists of persecution, leading many to abandon their work entirely in several departments. This crisis parallels consistent international denunciations of the regime’s oppressive measures.
In response, ARTICLE 19 and allied organisations call urgently for actions from the international community:
– Encourage Guatemala’s government to enhance protections for journalists and acknowledge community journalism as vital to democracy.
– Condemn election-related violence against journalists in Honduras and continue advocating for the repeal of harmful laws.
– Maintain scrutiny over press freedoms in El Salvador and Nicaragua, and lend support to those journalists, both local and exiled, striving for truth in oppressive regimes.
Central America is facing significant threats to freedom of expression, with heightened aggressions against journalists in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Authoritarian regimes utilise judicial harassment and smear campaigns to silence critical media voices. International organisations rally for urgent protective measures and recognition of community journalism, while condemning violence and advocating for press freedom.
The article highlights the alarming deterioration of press freedom across Central America, where authoritarian regimes and judicial harassment threaten journalists’ safety and the viability of independent journalism. Urgent action by international bodies is crucial to protect these vital voices, uphold democratic integrity, and counter the rising tide of censorship and violence against media workers. Sustained advocacy and international solidarity are essential to reclaiming a safe and free environment for journalists in the region.
Original Source: www.article19.org
