This is reflected in the sixth edition of the Chapultepec Index, published by the Inter-American Press Association, which examined 23 countries in the hemisphere.
Miami (March 19, 2026) — The most recent Chapultepec Index on Freedom of Expression and Press, released on March 10, reveals an alarming deterioration in the conditions for the exercise of these fundamental rights across the hemisphere. The global average dropped to 47.10 points, the lowest level recorded since the creation of this regional barometer six years ago, evidencing a sustained decline in democratic guarantees and in the free flow of information.
In this context, two countries — Nicaragua and Venezuela — remain in the most critical category of the Index, labeled “No Freedom of Expression,” reflecting extreme scenarios of restriction, state control, and systematic persecution against journalists, media outlets, and citizens.
Nicaragua scored 18.22 points out of 100, ranking 22nd out of 23 countries analyzed. The Central American country presents one of the most severe situations in the hemisphere, with a particularly low score in the dimension of “An informed citizenry with freedom of expression”, (2.33 out of 30 points), which shows the virtual absence of spaces for free expression.
The report documents that, between 2024 and 2025, Nicaragua has moved toward an openly totalitarian model under the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. The approval of constitutional reforms and Law No. 1234 in February 2025 consolidated a system of absolute power, institutionalizing censorship and deepening persecution against critical voices, including the deprivation of nationality.
The state environment — particularly the Executive and the Judiciary — exerts a strong and systematic influence in restricting rights, while the Nicaraguan digital ecosystem has been subject to blockages and surveillance. Repression against journalists has evolved into more sophisticated forms, such as psychological intimidation and constant monitoring, forcing many journalists to operate clandestinely or in exile.
Venezuela remains at the bottom of the Index (23rd place), with only 7.02 points out of 100. Although the country experienced a slight increase of 0.51 points compared to the previous year, this change is considered marginal and does not alter the overall picture of structural deterioration.
The three dimensions evaluated reflect extreme levels of restriction in Venezuela: 0.82 points in the dimension “An informed citizenry with freedom of expression”; 2.02 in “State Action against Violence and Impunity” and 4.18 in “Media Control and Journalism”. In this last category, it received the lowest score among all the countries analyzed.
The Chapultepec Index 2025 highlights the predominant role of the Venezuelan Executive Branch, with a “very strong” influence in generating adverse conditions, accompanied by the Legislative and Judicial branches, in consolidating a system of informational control. This framework has led to the closure of more than 400 radio stations, the near disappearance of independent print media, and the mass exile of journalists.
During the period analyzed, from November 2, 2024, to November 1, 2025, at least 25 journalists were detained, along with arbitrary arrests of citizens — including public officials — for expressing critical opinions. Self-censorship has become widespread, while state media operate as propaganda platforms. The silencing of relevant news, such as international recognition of opposition figures, illustrates the level of informational control imposed.
The results of the 2025 Chapultepec Index underscore the urgency of strengthening regional and international mechanisms for the protection of freedom of expression. The persistence of Nicaragua and Venezuela in the most critical category not only reflects deep national crises but also poses a challenge to democracy across the continent.
The IAPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of the press and expression in the Americas. It comprises more than 1,300 publications from the western hemisphere and is based in Miami, Florida, United States.