Bolivia’s Press Freedom Under Siege: Journalists Face Escalating Threats

In Bolivia, the safety of journalists has become a pressing concern, with increasing attacks and harassment against media professionals. A recent report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) highlights over 30 incidents of press freedom violations since the presidential election on October 20, 2024. These include physical assaults, equipment theft, and threats, particularly targeting journalists covering protests and road blockades. Notably, both pro-Morales and opposition media outlets have been caught in the crossfire, facing aggression from various factions.

The National Journalists Association of Bolivia has expressed grave concern over these developments, viewing them as clear infringements on freedom of expression. Several radio stations, such as Radio Yungas de Chulumani and Radio FM Bolivia, have faced closures or threats, often linked to their critical reporting on government policies.

In response to the escalating threats, UNESCO, in collaboration with the National Press Association (ANP) and the Association of Journalists of La Paz (APLP), launched the Monitoring System for the Protection of Journalists (SISMOPP) in April 2025. This initiative aims to provide a structured database to analyze attacks on journalists and assess progress in their protection, complementing existing tools like the alerts published by the ANP and reports from UNITAS.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist. A study by the ANP indicates a high level of violence against journalists, with incidents often going unreported due to fear of retaliation. The report also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive protection mechanism to address the growing threats to press freedom in Bolivia.

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging the Bolivian government to take concrete steps to ensure the safety of journalists and uphold the principles of press freedom.