London, 9 February 2024
Campaign denounces the criminalization of journalists that has intensified since last year and has seen several of them persecuted, exiled or detained.
Since November 2023, the collective of journalists #NoNosCallarán (they will not shut us up) launched the audio-visual series “For your right to know” where journalists narrate the attacks to which they have been exposed for practicing their profession and actively defending citizens’ right to information. Racist attacks, defamation on social networks, police attacks, imprisonment and criminalization for the spurious use of the justice system are among the tactics that the videos denounce.
Between May 2022 and October 2023, more than 26 Guatemalan journalists have gone into exile to protect their integrity and freedom. The campaign also denounces the persecution against the investigative newspaper El Periodico, which was forced to close its doors, has its founder in prison and several of its journalists under investigation.
The campaign also highlights the fundamental role of the press in denouncing social problems and how free journalism contributes to the creation of more transparent, safer and democratic societies. In this context, forums linked to the recent electoral processes in Central America and the attempts of authoritarian politicians to silence or discredit the work of the independent press in the region were also held.
By supporting this campaign, the UK joins the call for all countries to uphold their commitments to press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists and media workers. Britain will continue to work globally to ensure that press freedom remains a cornerstone of democracy and a prerequisite for security in Central America.
Source – UK Government