Associations denounce the deterioration of the freedom of expression in Latin America

Through an oficial note, several press associations from different countries have denounced problems involving the freedom of expresion in Latin America.

“The associations that reunites the following newspapers editing companies and periodical publications observes with deep preoccupation the deterioration of the freedom of expression in Latin America.

In this context, it continuous to worry us seriously the recurence in some countries of the following practices: assassination of journalists; physical and oral aggressions and threatens; judicial and tributary hostility against owners, journalists and employees of communication mediums; declaration of  unjustified expiration of TV and Radio´s concessions; governmental cooptation and interference of the private mediums; arbitrary destination of State´s publicity.

The experiences of societies conducts to an invariable result: the restrictions to freedom of expression, press and information always lead to the privation of the liberties and rights of people, and run over the spirit of pluralism and tolerance of the diversities. Without freedom of expression, the free exchange of ideas, the constitution of informed public opinion and the control of authorities, essential in a State of Right, are not possible. Without freedom of expression, the existence of a democratic regime is an illusion.

Said that, we con-claim the public opinion to keep alert to the installation and consolidation of autocratic regimes. At the same time, we exhort all the inhabitants of the continent to express their maximum solidarity to the many journalists and communication vehicles that have been chased. Many of those vehicles face threatens of debilitation or closing, as a consequence of their informative job and the defense of freedom of expression.

Associação Nacional da Imprensa (ANP) – Chile
Associação Nacional da Imprensa – Argentina
Conselho da Imprensa Peruana (CPP) – Peru
Associação dos Diários Colombianos (ANDIARIOS) – Colômbia
Associação de Entidades Jornalísticas Argentinas (ADEPA) – Argentina
Associação Equatoriana de Editores de Jornais (AEDEP) – Equador
Associação Nacional de Jornais (ANJ) - Brasil
Associação Nacional da Imprensa (ANP) – Chile
Associação Nacional da Imprensa – Argentina
Conselho da Imprensa Peruana (CPP) – Peru
Associação dos Diários Colombianos (ANDIARIOS) – Colômbia
Associação de Entidades Jornalísticas Argentinas (ADEPA) – Argentina
Associação Equatoriana de Editores de Jornais (AEDEP) – Equador
Associação Nacional de Jornais (ANJ) - Brasil”