Allegations of surveillance raise press freedom concerns in Uruguay

Expression

Allegations of surveillance on journalist Eduardo Preve by the Ministry of the Interior

On 4th March 2024, journalist Eduardo Preve publicly denounced the Ministry of the Interior on social media for investigating his sources in relation to his work on the surveillance system known as El Guardián, as well as other ongoing investigations. Preve stated that the Ministry had been aware of his activities since 9th November 2023.

In October 2023, the journalist reported that two officers from the National Directorate of Information and Intelligence of the Police “illegally” accessed the El Guardián communications interception system. They copied recordings related to the investigation being conducted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office into the dictatorship-era murder of Cecilia Fontana de Heber, mother of former Minister of the Interior and current Herrerista Senator Luis Alberto Heber.

The Centre for Archives and Access to Public Information (Centro de Archivos y Acceso a la Información Pública, Cainfo) expressed serious concern over the Ministry of the Interior’s internal investigation into the sources of journalist Eduardo Preve. According to Cainfo, the investigation included accessing Preve’s file in the public security management system, searching for potential informants and monitoring his mobile phone calls. It also involved scrutinising his social media posts.

Cainfo also warned that these actions pose a serious threat to freedom of expression. It emphasised that protecting journalistic sources is a right under Uruguayan law and the inter-American human rights system. Using state intelligence to reveal sources constitutes an abuse of power, creating a chilling effect on informants and journalists. It further called for an investigation to hold those responsible accountable for this violation.

The Central Board (CDC) of the Uruguayan Press Association (APU) strongly condemned the Ministry of the Interior’s surveillance of journalist Eduardo Preve, conducted without the knowledge of the Public Prosecutor’s Office or judiciary. They warned that any investigation, surveillance or pressure on media workers is a serious violation of freedom of expression and a dangerous sign of eroding democratic values.

Prosecutor investigates antisemitism allegations following Women’s Day March

On 11th March 2024, the Israelite Central Committee of Uruguay (Comité Central Israelita de Uruguay) filed a criminal complaint against the artistic organisation “Our Voice” for displaying alleged antisemitic imagery during the Women’s Day march (see peaceful assembly). The organisation carried a figure of a woman’s head impaled by a spear with a star of David on her forehead. The incident is under investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office.

On the same day, the National Human Rights Institution expressed concern over reportedly antisemitic hate speech during Uruguay’s 2024 Women’s Day march. It also highlighted that such representations should not be considered manifestations of free speech, calling for societal reflection on diversity and respect. The Jewish community also condemned the incident.

Challenges in implementing Uruguay’s Information Law undermine transparency efforts

According to Amnesty International’s report, the 2008 Information Law (Law No. 18,381) has become a critical instrument for civil society to monitor human rights and demand transparency from public institutions. However, significant challenges persist in its implementation, including non-compliance with the publication of mandatory information, and delays in responding to information requests. Many public entities have failed to meet their transparency obligations, and inconsistencies in the enforcement of the law by the Public Information Access Unit (UAIP) remain problematic.

Civil society organisations continue to face numerous obstacles, including the provision of information in inaccessible formats (such as non-searchable PDFs), bureaucratic delays, and, in some instances, outright refusals to provide the requested data. These barriers diminish the law’s effectiveness and hinder activists and researchers from obtaining and processing the information required for their work.

The report recommended bolstering the institutional capacity of the UAIP, enforcing penalties for non-compliance, and improving coordination between public entities and civil society. Additionally, it called for more robust public policies on proactive transparency, ensuring that information is accessible and published in user-friendly formats and that public entities comply with legal deadlines when responding to information requests.

Peaceful Assembly

International Women's Day March

On 8th March 2024, thousands of women marched through Montevideo’s main avenue, Avenida 18 de Julio, to mark International Women’s Day. The event, coordinated by feminist groups, sought to draw attention to ongoing issues of gender inequality in Uruguay. Protesters, carrying banners and posters, demanded systemic reforms aimed at promoting gender equality and addressing structural barriers in the areas of employment, healthcare, education, and political participation. This includes stronger implementation of laws that ensure equal pay for equal work, maternity protection and the prevention of gender-based violence.

The march culminated at the headquarters of the University of the Republic, where the Feminist Intersocial read a proclamation: "The discrimination and violence suffered by Uruguayan women do not stop. On 8th March, we call on everyone to march and demonstrate to denounce the attacks of anti-rights movements that seek to roll back the gains made by women".