Guatemala: progress in President Arévalo’s first year undermined by press freedom threats and Zamora case

Organisation:

RSF_en

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) presents its assessment of President Bernardo Arévalo’s first year in office. Although his government has adopted a more open approach compared to previous administrations, the continued criminalisation of journalists and lingering corruption within the judiciary perpetuate the hostile environment for independent media.

"We recognise the progress made by President Bernardo Arévalo's government in its first year, especially in terms of fostering dialogue and respecting press freedom. Yet these efforts are insufficient as long as the criminalisation and legal harassment of journalists persist. The case of Jose Rubén Zamora serves as a constant reminder of the grave risks facing media workers in Guatemala. The government must take stronger measures to dismantle the repressive apparatus inherited from previous administrations and guarantee a safe environment where independent journalism can flourish.

Artur Romeu

Director of RSF’s Latin America Bureau

14 January 2025 marked one year since President Bernardo Arévalo took office, a period that began with high hopes after years of repressive policies. During his campaign, Arévalo pledged to respect human rights and dismantle the authoritarian structures inherited from past administrations. However, despite his notable advances — such as ending anti-press government rhetoric and opening the country to international assessments —key challenges remain, particularly when it comes to ensuring fair judicial processes and effective protection for journalists.

Progress and fulfilled commitments

At the start of his term, Arévalo implemented measures that improved the media landscape. Press conferences were held on a more regular basis, journalists were given proper access to government events, and institutional social media accounts were unblocked, facilitating journalists’ access to government information. A visit from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), with the participation of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, was authorised — the first such visit in Guatemala in eight years. In November 2024, Arévalo honoured his promise to sign the Declaration of Chapultepec, an international agreement outlining the key principles of safeguarding independent journalism and protecting journalists from censorship and persecution.

From the beginning of his time in office, President Arévalo publicly condemned the arbitrary nature of the case against Jose Rubén Zamora, describing it as an unjust legal process designed to make an example of the journalist for his reporting. The president even pledged to RSF that he would do everything within his power to secure Zamora’s release. Early in his administration, Arévalo introduced immediate measures to improve Zamora’s detention conditions. Although these efforts helped improve his situation, Zamora continued to face legal restrictions that limited his full freedom. On 13 January, the Supreme Court of Justice accepted Zamora's request for constitutional protection, meaning Zamora has been spared being sent back to prison but will nonetheless remain under house arrest until the legal proceedings against him are completed.

Persistent challenges

Despite initial positive tidings from Arévalo’s administration, Guatemalan journalists continue to work in a less-than-hospitable climate. Between January and July 2024, the Red Rompe el Miedo Guatemala, a group of international and Guatemalan organisations united for the protection of journalists in the country, recorded 34 attacks against journalists. The primary threats came from public officials and security forces, with assaults including intimidation, threats, and legal harassment. These attacks have prompted journalists to self-censor and eroded the quality of information available to the public.

Although President Arévalo pledged that individuals would not be persecuted for their opinions, Attorney General Consuelo Porras, who is listed on the US Engel List, has maintained his systematic criminalisation of journalists and human rights defenders. According to Expediente Público, an online investigative magazine covering Central America, eleven journalists faced legal proceedings in 2024. These proceedings have a dire effect on journalists and their work. For example, Juan Luis Font, director of the digital media outlet ConCriterio, fled the country in 2022 and is now forced to report from abroad. Diario La Hora journalist Diego España, who remains in the country, has been subject to two legal investigations and attempts by the National Police to access his personal information without justification.

RSF Recommendations

Swiftly implement of the protection policy for human rights defenders, giving special attention to journalists and media workers. The government must ensure that journalists, particularly those reporting on sensitive issues, are provided with robust protective measures to carry out their work without fear of retaliation or violence.
Curb the abuse of the judicial system causing the criminalisation of journalists through measures within the purview of the executive branch. Cases like that of Jose Rubén Zamora highlight the urgent need to prevent the legal harassment of journalists and ensure the justice system is not weaponised to suppress press freedom.
Publicly promote journalistic work in the country through campaigns against discourse that stigmatises the media and policies that support journalism. Public officials must recognise journalism’s essential role in democracy and actively work to counter rhetoric that discredits or endangers media workers.
Train and equip police forces to swiftly investigate crimes against journalists and media workers, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. Strengthening law enforcement capacities to address crimes against the press is critical to combating impunity and guaranteeing accountability for attacks on journalists.