Serious decline in press freedom in El Salvador: RSF and its partners call on national authorities to safeguard right to information
After observing more than 80 press freedom violations during El Salvador’s presidential election on 4 February, confirming a serious decline in the situation for media and journalists, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and seven other human rights organisations call on the country’s authorities to halt the decline and to establish safeguards for the right to information.
“The many obstacles to the work of journalists observed during the presidential election reflect a serious decline in press freedom in El Salvador. Above all, they reflect the restrictive, intimidating climate imposed under President Nayib Bukele since the start of his first term, which has included denying access to information about the functioning of the government and its decision-making, vilifying journalists, and waging smear campaigns. In this toxic environment, journalists and their sources are increasingly resorting to self-censorship. This cannot go on! Together with partner organisations, we call on the country’s authorities to end these disastrous practices and to provide safeguards for the right to information.
Following an RSF-supported observation mission during the 4 February presidential election, RSF and seven partner organisations are issuing a joint statement calling on El Salvador’s national authorities, the judiciary and the parliament, to respect and protect press freedom and, in particular, to establish favourable and safe long-term conditions guaranteeing the ability of journalists to work freely. The coalition also urges the international community to adopt a critical and constructive public position on what is happening in El Salvador, and to do its duty to promote human rights.
