Attacks on the Press in 2012: Americas

12 years ago

Analyses and data track press conditions throughout the region. Mike O’Connor describes cartel-imposed censorship in the Mexican state of Zacatecas. Carlos Lauría recounts how members of the Organization of American States failed to stand up for press freedom. And John Otis examines a spike in Brazilian murders targeting critical bloggers.

Americas

Video: CPJ Risk List

From Brazil, where murders spiked, to Ecuador, where repressive laws took effect, the 10 countries where press freedom suffered the most in 2012.

Analysis

Murders Spike in Brazil
By John Otis

The murders of two bloggers mark a surge in deadly anti-press violence.

Analysis

The Zacatecas Rules
By Mike O’Connor

Reporters can’t tell the public that organized crime has taken over a Mexican state.

Analysis

Americas Fail Press Freedom
By Carlos Lauría

A system to defend free expression is under attack from foes and former allies.

Analysis

Lessons From El Salvador
By Frank Smyth

No amount of security training can make up for a lack of professional solidarity.

Americas

Deaths by Year

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2012

2009

Regional Data

7

Journalists Killed in 2012

44

Journalists in Exile, 2007-12

149

Journalists Killed Since 1992

1

Imprisoned on December 1, 2012

100

Unsolved Journalist Murders Since 1992

12

Missing as of December 31, 2012

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Argentina

47 Government ads in Clarín outlets in a seven-month period. Thousands were placed in pro-government outlets in the same timeframe.

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Brazil

4 Journalists murdered in 2012, the fourth highest total in the world. Brazil has one of the worst records in combating anti-press violence.

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Colombia

92 Threats made against journalists, the highest rate in at least five years.

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Cuba

9th Most censored nation in the world, according to a CPJ study.

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Ecuador

1 Journalist killed, the first work-related fatality since 2005.

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El Salvador

1 Conviction in a journalist’s murder, a victory in the fight against impunity.

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Honduras

3 Shootings that targeted critical journalists. No deaths were reported.

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Mexico

6 News offices attacked with gunfire, explosives, and grenades.

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Peru

2 Journalists convicted on criminal defamation charges.

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United States

6 Prosecutions targeting officials who leaked information to the press.

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Venezuela

1 Critical television station remaining. The station faces a steady stream of fines and regulatory actions.

Country reports in this chapter were researched and written by CPJ Research Associate Sara Rafsky, with reporting by Senior Program Coordinator Carlos Lauría.