The concentration of media ownership in very few hands and a high level of impunity undermine the freedom to inform and encourage self-censorship. Journalists who dare to tackle sensitive subjects such as corruption and drug trafficking are exposed to the possibility of threats and violent reprisals. Elected politicians often abuse their position to stigmatise and intimidate critical journalists, especially by means of judicial harassment. The repeal in 2016 of legislation under which journalists could be imprisoned for defamation was a major step forward for the media and democracy.