To mark World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2018, Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International, said:
“From decades-old state censorship in Cuba to the White House-led demonization of the US press and the relentless wave of lethal attacks against Mexican reporters, the Americas remains an extremely difficult and dangerous region for journalists.
From decades-old state censorship in Cuba to the White House-led demonization of the US press and the relentless wave of lethal attacks against Mexican reporters, the Americas remains an extremely difficult and dangerous region for journalists.
Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International
“Mexico experienced alarming levels of violence against the press last year as 12 reporters were killed, making it the world’s deadliest country for journalists alongside Syria. Not only do Mexico’s brave journalists face threats and attacks from organized crime, but also in many cases from public officials.
“Meanwhile, media workers in countries such as Colombia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay and Venezuela continue to face an array of serious obstacles, including threats, harassment, intimidation and attacks. These sinister efforts to silence the press and curtail freedom of expression cannot be allowed to continue.
These sinister efforts to silence the press and curtail freedom of expression cannot be allowed to continue.
Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International
“A free press is fundamental for preventing human rights abuses and combatting impunity. All states across the Americas must immediately recognize the important work of journalists and other media workers by implementing effective mechanisms to protect them and by conducting thorough, independent and impartial investigations into all threats and attacks against them.”
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Amnesty International press office: +52 (1) 55 4848 8266, [email protected]