Journalists and Media under Threat

Expression

On 14th March 2023, journalist and director of the Press Association of El Salvador (APES) Mónica Rodríguez was targeted in online attacks that threatened sexual violence. The attacks occurred after an exchange Rodríguez had on Twitter with another journalist Josué Natán Váquiz. Fake Twitter accounts and anonymous users threatened Rodríguez in 15 messages with 500 replies. APES noted that such cyberattacks have occurred when journalists publicly express their criticism and opinions. APES and the International Federation of Journalists condemned the gender-based violence and threats.

On 18th April 2023, members of the Salvadoran political party Nuevas Ideas (New Ideas) made potentially stigmatising statements towards La Prensa Gráfica journalist Edwin Segura. The journalist had published a tweet on the elements of journalism and the political party members responded to the tweet with comments and insults that discredited Segura's journalistic work. The Press Association of El Salvador (APES) called on public officials to refrain from using language that discredits the press and journalism.

Salvadoran media outlet El Faro announced that, due to the lack of protections and guarantees for the press in El Salvador, the outlet will relocate its administrative and legal operations to Costa Rica. El Faro indicated that the ongoing attacks on the press and the closure of all transparency and accountability mechanisms in El Salvador had spurred this decision. The media outlet also reported that in the presidential administration, members of the official party, and state institutions have used intimidation tactics against the media outlet and its journalists, including surveillance and defamation campaigns. In addition, El Faro has been accused by the authorities of money laundering, leading to multiple audits by the Ministry of Finance.