Press Freedom Groups Report Surge in Attacks on Journalists During Bolivia Crisis

May 21, 2026 – Bolivia –

Reporters Without Borders has warned of a sharp escalation in violence and intimidation targeting journalists in Bolivia, documenting at least 14 attacks against media workers within seven days amid intensifying political and social unrest across the country. The organization said reporters covering demonstrations, road blockades, and clashes between supporters of former President Evo Morales and the government of President Luis Arce faced threats, assaults, and obstruction while attempting to report on the crisis.

According to RSF, the incidents occurred between May 12 and May 19 in several regions of Bolivia, including La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz. Journalists were reportedly attacked by demonstrators, harassed by political supporters, and prevented from documenting protests and security operations. Some media workers allegedly had equipment damaged or confiscated during confrontations.

The unrest developed as tensions deepened between supporters of Morales and President Arce over political leadership, economic conditions, and preparations for future elections. Protesters linked to Morales organized marches and road blockades demanding political concessions and criticizing government policies, while authorities deployed police forces to restore transportation routes and public order.

RSF stated that journalists covering the demonstrations became targets because political groups increasingly viewed independent reporting as hostile or politically aligned with opposing factions. The organization warned that hostility toward the media has intensified as Bolivia’s political crisis deepens and public rhetoric becomes more confrontational.

Several incidents documented by RSF involved journalists being physically assaulted while livestreaming protests or interviewing demonstrators. Reporters also reported threats, verbal abuse, intimidation campaigns on social media, and restricted movement while covering road blockades and clashes between protesters and police.

Press freedom organizations have repeatedly warned that Bolivia’s polarized political environment has created increasingly dangerous conditions for journalists. Since the political turmoil that followed Morales’ disputed resignation in 2019, media workers in Bolivia have frequently faced attacks, accusations of political bias, and pressure from competing political factions.

RSF called on Bolivian authorities, political leaders, and protest organizers to guarantee journalists’ safety and respect the role of the press during periods of unrest. The organization emphasized that reporters must be allowed to work freely without fear of violence, intimidation, or retaliation while documenting events of public importance.

Reference –

https://rsf.org/en/political-and-social-crisis-bolivia-14-attacks-against-press-seven-days