According to the APES president, there were 26 violations of the press in the electoral context, thus reflecting an increase in cases compared to previous elections.
The Association of Journalists of El Salvador (APES) has expressed concern about growing press violations in the electoral context and the danger that whistleblowers may be attacked or intimidated.
On Friday, a mob accompanying Santa Tecla’s candidate for mayor of New Ideas, Henry Flores, harassed and harassed a journalist from El Diario de Hoy in front of the General Prosecutor’s Office. Another radio journalist reported that he was harassed a few weeks ago by another mob accompanying the same official candidate.
APEL President Angélica Cárcamo said the pre-election context was worrying as attacks on journalists increased.
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“We do not rule out that there may be an electoral climate towards the press that could lead not only to verbal threats or restrictions on journalism, but also to possible effects of physical damage or the work team,” Cárcamo said.
“We have a total of 26 attacks on the press from November 17, 2020 to February 17, 2021, committed by public officials, from people in ministries, public institutions, heads of trusted positions who have dedicated themselves to stigmatizing the press.” , He added.
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Of the 26 violations recorded, seven consist of blocking access to public information, six restrictions on journalism, four stigmatizing statements, four on digital harassment, two on verbal threats, one on life threatening, one on deprivation of liberty and one on deprivation of liberty. intimidation .
The register also indicates that the victims are 12 women and nine men.