New Media Law draws criticism ahead of the country’s general elections

Introduction

Uruguay faces a key election

Uruguay’s upcoming general elections, scheduled for 27th October 2024, offer voters a choice between the centre-right coalition led by President Luis Lacalle Pou and a potential shift back to the centre-left under Yamandú Orsi of the Frente Amplio. Orsi, the frontrunner, will likely face Álvaro Delgado, representing the ruling Partido Nacional, or Andrés Ojeda of the Partido Colorado in a second round. The election will determine the country’s direction, with key issues including pension reform and the role of the state in economic and social policy.

In addition to electing a new president, 30 senators and 99 deputies to represent the entire Parliament, the Uruguayan electorate will vote on two significant referenda. The first referendum, proposed by the government, seeks to authorise night-time police raids on private residences, addressing growing concerns over organised crime and public safety. The second referendum, introduced by the Plenario Intersindical de Trabajadores – Convención Nacional de Trabajadores (PIT-CNT) trade union, aims to overturn recent pension reforms, which increased the retirement age and mandated worker contributions to privately managed pension funds.

IACHR hearing highlights concerns over threats to judicial independence

On 11th July 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) held a hearing regarding the independence of the judiciary. Civil society organisations claimed that there is a strategy to weaken the independence of the country’s prosecutors through political pressure, media attacks and institutional reforms, including not appointing a new permanent Attorney General. They pointed out that these actions could have severe implications for the credibility of Uruguay’s justice system, particularly regarding investigations into human rights violations, corruption and gender-based violence.

Uruguay’s state representatives emphasised that the country maintains a strong legal framework that ensures the independence of prosecutors and the Attorney General’s Office. They argued that critiques of the judiciary are a natural part of a democratic society and stressed that there has been no direct impact on the functionality or independence of the prosecutors. Moreover, the state underlined that despite budgetary constraints due to the pandemic, legal and institutional safeguards remain in place to uphold judicial independence.

Expression

Media Law approved

On 7th August 2024, Congress approved the new Audiovisual Content Broadcasting Services Law (Media Law), passed with 50 votes from the ruling coalition in the Chamber of Deputies amidst concerns over its constitutionality and potential to undermine freedom of expression and strong opposition from civil society.

This prompted President Luis Lacalle Pou to exercise his constitutional authority to veto Article 72 the following day, reducing some threats to media freedom. As previously reported, this article sought to impose obligations on media outlets to provide political information in a “comprehensive, impartial, serious, rigorous, plural and balanced manner among political actors.”

Lacalle Pou vetoed the article on grounds of its incompatibility with the fundamental freedom of expression, citing concerns over its potential to restrict media independence and impose undue burdens on editorial content. The veto also referenced the country’s obligations under international human rights law, including principles set forth by the United Nations and the Inter-American system, which emphasise that any restrictions on media must be necessary, proportionate and based on legitimate public interests.

According to legal experts, the reform introduces significant changes to Uruguay’s media regulation landscape. First, it imposes new constraints on the ability of journalists and media outlets to select and present their viewpoints freely. The new provisions also ease restrictions on media concentration, posing a long-term risk to diversity and pluralism in the country’s media ecosystem. At the same time, certain factions within the ruling coalition sought to impose conditions on media coverage, alleging a lack of objectivity in reporting.

As covered in the previous update, the Uruguayan legislature passed these amendments as part of a broader effort to simplify existing regulations. Private media companies, which have benefitted from regulatory and economic measures under the current government, played a significant role in shaping the reform.

On 25th September, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, submitted a formal communication to the government, expressing concerns regarding the Media Law’s conformity with international human rights standards: “These legislative changes appear to diverge from established international standards. For instance, General Comment No. 34 of the Human Rights Committee underscores the necessity of adopting measures to prevent media monopolies and safeguard diversity.”

Association

Threat against activist linked to dictatorship-era disappearances

On 28th August 2024, Darío Tassino, nephew of Óscar Tassino—who was forcibly disappeared during Uruguay’s dictatorship in 1977—received a threat outside a supermarket in Montevideo. His vehicle displayed a flag representing Mothers and Relatives of Disappeared Detainees Madres y Familiares de Detenidos Desaparecidos), an organisation advocating for the victims of enforced disappearances during the military regime.

Tassino parked near the supermarket and entered the store with his wife. Upon returning, he found a note taped to the car door that read: “I know where they are, and you could end up the same way.” In a video shared on social media, he detailed the incident and suggested that the flag on his vehicle may have motivated the threat. The flag symbolises the organisation’s ongoing efforts to uncover the truth about enforced disappearances.

By coincidence, Tassino encountered the Minister of the Interior, Nicolás Martinelli, at the same supermarket and informed him of the incident. Martinelli advised him to file a police report, which Tassino did at a local station.

This threat occurred just days before a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of Justice of Uruguay on 30th August 2024, which confirmed the conviction of two military officers, Jorge "Pajarito" Silveira and Ernesto Ramas, for the enforced disappearance of Óscar Tassino. This decision represents the first time the Supreme Court has officially recognised enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity since it was incorporated into national law in 2006.

The timing of this threat raises concerns about potential retaliation or intimidation against the relatives of individuals who disappeared during the dictatorship, especially in light of this historic ruling.

Allegations of illegal surveillance of trade union leader

On 6th June 2024, Uruguayan newspapers Búsqueda and La Diaria published investigative reports revealing illegal surveillance carried out by Alejandro Astesiano, former head of security for President Luis Lacalle Pou, on Marcelo Abdala, President of the PIT-CNT.

This surveillance allegedly involved the misuse of state-operated cameras managed by the Ministry of the Interior. The reports suggested the incident dates back to February 2022, when Abdala was implicated in a traffic accident. Búsqueda also indicated that the Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the misuse of police resources in relation to Abdala.

Further revelations indicate that Astesiano informed President Lacalle Pou of Abdala’s movements via WhatsApp. This included details of an investigation by the Anti-Drugs Brigade into a shop Abdala had allegedly visited. The shop was later cleared of any involvement in illegal drug activity.

According to legal experts, these illegal actions may amount to a violation of Abdala’s right to freedom of association, as the investigation appears to be linked to his role as a national union leader rather than based on any personal conduct.

Following these reports, during the International Labour Conference of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on 11th June 2024, the PIT-CNT publicly denounced the Uruguayan government’s actions, accusing it of espionage against Abdala. The trade union argued that the illegal surveillance violated fundamental freedoms, particularly those related to freedom of association.

In addition to the surveillance claims, the PIT-CNT also condemned other actions by the Uruguayan government that threaten trade union rights. These include sanctions imposed on public education sector unionists for exercising their right to freedom of expression and unilateral changes to labour laws that have negatively affected public sector workers.

Peaceful Assembly

Teachers protest educational reform and budget cuts with 48-hour strike

On 15th October 2024, the Association of Secondary Education Teachers (Ades) and Federation of Secondary Education Teachers (Fenapes) initiated a 48-hour nationwide strike in response to significant cuts in the education budget and a controversial educational reform introduced by the government.

The proposed reforms aim to overhaul the curriculum and restructure school cycles. However, both unions and student groups expressed opposition to these changes. Their primary concerns focus on reduced funding for public education and the consolidation of students from different grades, which, according to educators, will lead to overcrowded classrooms and increased workloads, undermining the quality of education.

On the second day of the strike, the PIT-CNT and the National Construction and Related Industries Union (SUNCA) joined the action, staging a demonstration in the capital. In addition to supporting the strike, the PIT-CNT highlighted the upcoming plebiscite on social security reform, scheduled for 27th October 2024 (see introduction).

The protests featured school occupations, marches and assemblies between teachers, parents and students. The demonstrations culminated in a march along Avenida 18 de Julio in Montevideo, reflecting widespread societal discontent with the government's handling of the educational system​.

Thousands march to demand full implementation of LGBTQI+ rights

On 27th September 2024, Montevideo held its annual March for Diversity, under the slogan “Until Rights Become Reality” (Hasta que los derechos sean hechos). Organised by the Coordinadora de la Marcha por la Diversidad, the march focused on advocating for full implementation of legal rights for the LGBTQI+ community, while addressing the gap between legislative progress and on-the-ground realities. The march emphasised the need for equality and effective protection for all, particularly marginalised groups.

Thousands of participants marched from Plaza Cagancha to Plaza 1º de Mayo, displaying rainbow flags and carrying signs calling for greater inclusivity. The march featured speeches, musical performances and public calls for a more just and inclusive society. Protesters also condemned ongoing hate crimes, particularly those targeting transgender people, and criticised delays in enforcing laws that protect LGBTQI+ rights​.

Lacalle Pou faces protests over budget cuts at the University of the Republic

On 28th August 2024, staff and students at the University of the Republic (Udelar) staged a protest during President Luis Lacalle Pou’s visit to the Faculty of Medicine. The protest focused on budget reductions and wage cuts affecting university personnel. Protesters criticised the government’s 20 per cent reduction in Udelar’s budget and the impact it has had on both students and employees.

While Lacalle Pou attended the event to inaugurate the new Health and Human Nutrition Laboratory, part of an initiative to foster innovation in public health, protesters disrupted the proceedings with chants such as “let him leave” and “lower your salary, thief.” They expressed frustration with the ongoing financial strain on the public education system and voiced dissatisfaction with the government's handling of these issues​.

Venezuelan diaspora demands freedom and electoral transparency

On 17th August 2024, Venezuelans residing in Uruguay gathered in Montevideo to demand transparency concerning the 28th July 2024 presidential election, which opposition groups claim was rigged in favour of Maduro. Protesters called for international support to hold the government accountable and restore democratic processes in Venezuela.

They convened at Plaza Independencia, chanting slogans such as “Who are we? Venezuela. What do we want? Freedom.” They carried banners reading “They are killing my people, SOS Venezuela” and “Freedom for all political prisoners.”

The demonstration was part of “the Global Protest for Truth” in over 300 cities worldwide in support of Venezuelans.

Annual March in Montevideo marks the Day of the Student Martyrs, demands more educational funding

On 14th August 2024, Uruguay commemorated the Day of the Student Martyrs, marking 56 years since the death of Líber Arce, a student who was killed during a protest in 1968. Arce’s killing, caused by police violence during a demonstration against the government’s security measures, symbolises the beginning of a broader student movement against repression. His death, along with those of other student activists, continues to symbolise the broader struggle for human rights and justice in Uruguay.

The 2024 commemoration included a demonstration led by the Federación de Estudiantes Universitarios del Uruguay (FEUU), together with other student groups. Protesters gathered at the Explanada de la Universidad de la República and moved through the city centre, calling for increased financial support for education and opposing the current reforms. The protest ended at Plaza 1º de Mayo, where speakers addressed the difficulties confronting the education system, stressing the importance of long-term public funding and equal access to educational opportunities.