Violence against journalists in Latin America is an insult to freedom of expression and democracy itself. The impunity with which drug traffickers and other criminal groups operate has created an atmosphere of fear and terror in which many journalists are forced to work.

A recent report published by Fundamedios found that during the first quarter of 2023 there were 79 attacks on freedom of expression in Ecuador, with serious attacks such as envelopes containing explosive material sent to highly visible journalists. Threats to journalists like Karol Noroña from digital media GK, who remains outside the country due to serious danger to life and integrity.

The number of attacks so far in 2023 is a new negative record, if you take into account that in the whole of 2022 there were 356 attacks on journalists, citizens and the media, which violated the rights to freedom of expression, press and access to information. This number of attacks is already the highest recorded since 2018.

Before the attacks on journalists, a mission of the Committee to Protect Journalists will arrive in Ecuador

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed concern about this situation and condemned the attacks on journalists and called on the authorities to guarantee their safety and protection. In fact, a CPJ delegation is in Ecuador these days to assess the situation on the page and then issue recommendations to various institutions of the Ecuadorian state.

How is it possible that in the 21st century, on a continent that claims to be democratic, journalists have to face the constant threat of violence and death? How is it possible that drug traffickers and other criminal groups have so much power to silence those who simply want to inform society?

Another Teleamazonas journalist team was attacked in Petrillo today

It’s time to do something. The authorities of Latin American countries must take concrete measures to protect journalists and guarantee freedom of the press. Impunity must end. Those responsible for attacks on journalists must be brought to justice and punished appropriately. Zero progress in these five years in the tax investigations of the case of newspaper reporters the market kidnapped (Nos Falan case 3), is an example of the level of impunity and social indolence in the face of violence against journalists.

But, Why did the drug dealer decide to attack the journalists? The answer is simple: because journalists are a threat to their illegal business. The work of journalists is crucial for denouncing corruption and violence stemming from the drug trade. And that’s exactly why drug dealers try to silence them.

But we can’t let that happen. It’s time for us all, as a society, to do something. We must demand that the authorities take measures to protect journalists and prosecute those responsible for the attacks. Violence against journalists in Latin America is unacceptable and must be eradicated. We must defend our freedom of expression and ensure that journalists can do their jobs without fear of reprisals. It’s time to act! (OR)