Colombia’s Press Under Attack, Report Reveals

Colombia is facing mounting international pressure over a deteriorating environment for independent journalism, according to a newly released annual report. The document details a concerning pattern of government-led stigmatization of the press, with President Gustavo Petro and other high-ranking officials actively engaging in public attacks and smear campaigns against journalists and media organizations. These actions, characterized by offensive language and deliberate attempts to discredit their work, are demonstrably increasing risks to media professionals.

The report highlights a troubling instrumentalization of state-funded media outlets, repurposed as platforms for government propaganda and used to suppress critical voices, effectively limiting media pluralism. This practice undermines the public’s right to access diverse perspectives and informed reporting.

Despite a recent presidential directive intended to protect freedom of expression, official attacks on the press have persisted openly and repeatedly, raising serious questions about the government’s commitment to upholding these principles. This disconnect between stated policy and actual practice is deeply concerning.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has responded forcefully, urging the Colombian government to immediately cease these practices and implement concrete measures to align with established inter-American human rights standards. The IACHR rightly emphasizes the necessity of guaranteeing safe and independent operating conditions for both traditional and digital media.

An upcoming country-specific report, stemming from an official visit in April 2024, will provide a more in-depth analysis of the documented violations and offer urgent recommendations. This follow-up report is crucial, as it promises a detailed examination of the systemic issues at play.

The situation in Colombia underscores the significant structural challenges facing journalism. The increasing use of official rhetoric as a tool for pressure and silencing is a direct threat to democratic principles. It’s not simply about protecting journalists’ safety – though that is paramount – it’s about safeguarding the public’s right to information and holding power accountable. WAN-IFRA joins the IACHR in calling for strengthened safety and freedom conditions for the press, recognizing that a free and independent media is essential for a functioning democracy. The continued erosion of press freedom in Colombia should be a matter of serious concern for all who value open and transparent governance.