21 April 2020

COVID-19 and its impact on press freedom

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Materials collected by the IAPA through its media members and work commissions

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All governments imposed extraordinary measures to alleviate the pandemic - quarantines, curfews and states of disaster - affecting all activities, including the work of the press.

In several countries, governments imposed criminal penalties against those who spread or promoted false news about COVID-19.

Argentina

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists.

A crime of public intimidation will be considered fake news about COVID-19 that goes viral on WhatsApp. This figure contemplates three to six years in prison, according to article 211 of the Penal Code.

Aruba

The government imposed movement restrictions on journalists and media during curfews.

Bolivia

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists.

On May 14, the government announced to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) that it repealed decree 4231 that limited freedom of expression and penalized the dissemination of written information through criminal proceedings (up to 10 years in prison), printed and / or artistic that generates "uncertainty in the population". The norm was annulled by claim of the National Press Association (ANP).

Brazil

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists.

Several press organizations criticized an initiative (Bill 2,630, Brazilian Law on Freedom, Responsibility and Transparency on the Internet) against fake news. The project was deactivated, but not canceled. It establishes that internet platforms must apply "responsible verification", instead of "moderate and publish content". The sanctions include warnings, corrective measures, fines, temporary suspension of activities and prohibition of operation of the platform.

Chile

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists. However, some mayors ordered the closure of kiosks and points of sale. In Santiago and Quillon there were difficulties in the circulation of newspaper distribution trucks.

Canada

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists.

Colombia

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists.

Costa Rica

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists.

Cuba

The press has the same mobility and coverage restrictions as in normal times.

The increase in persecution against independent journalists and activists was reported. The government justifies this persecution through Decree Law 370 "On the computerization of society in Cuba", issued on July 4, 2019. This decree condemns the action of "disseminating, through public data transmission networks, information contrary to the social interest, morals, good customs and integrity of the people". The sanctions contemplate the confiscation of the equipment; temporary or definitive suspension of the license; closure of facilities and fines.

Ecuador

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists, although some print media had distribution problems.

Twenty-three entities signed a manifesto asking the government to guarantee journalistic practice in democracy. It required that the Inter-institutional Committee for the Protection of Journalists and Communication Workers, created in April 2019, be in charge of meeting the needs of professionals, including access to the COVID-19 test, comprehensive health services and protection of labor rights.

El Salvador

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists, although it marginalized journalists and media regarding public health information.

Police officers place restrictions on coverage. Journalists must carry an identification card and a letter from their media indicating their identification and their work hours.

United States

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists.

Guatemala

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists. To circulate freely, however, journalists must carry a press card and personal identification.

In April, within the framework of the coverage of the pandemic, one hundred journalists, columnists and human rights defenders denounced harassment, disqualification, intimidation and censorship by officials and President Alejandro Giammattei.

In June, the government began offering daily press conferences with public health authorities and biweekly meetings between the president and some publishers. The biggest problem of the Executive Branch is the difference between its data and those reported by hospitals.

Haiti

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists. However, on April 2 eight journalists were assaulted while investigating claims that a government office was violating social distancing measures to counter COVID-19.

Honduras

The government had suspended article 72 of the Constitution that guarantees freedom of the press as part of the restrictions to alleviate the pandemic. However, after a general complaint, the government nullified that measure.

Jamaica

After the demand from press and media associations, the government suspended the sanctions that it had imposed on journalists and media when enter areas prohibited by quarantine, such as hospitals and other public health care spaces.

Mexico

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists.

Nicaragua

The press has the same mobility and coverage restrictions as in normal times. The government maintain restrictions on access to public health information and the blockade against journalists and independent media to press conferences of the Ministry of Health.

Panama

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists. However, journalists must carry personal identification, press identification and a permit provided by the government.

Paraguay

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists.

Peru

The government did not impose formal restrictions on the media and journalists, but they must have an official permit to circulate during the curfew.

President Martín Vizcarra does not allow journalists to participate in person or virtually in his daily press conferences. Only five questions are allowed, which are previously drawn among the media.

The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights ordered that whoever creates or disseminates false information about COVID-19 that generates panic and disturbs the public tranquility, is subject to a criminal complaint with a punishment of between three and six years in prison. If the objective is to obtain benefits or cause harm to third parties, the penalty will be from two to four years in prison.

Incidents have been reported between police officers, journalists, distributors, and newspaper vendors in the interior of the country.

Puerto Rico

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists.

On April 6, an amendment was issued to the Public Security Law that prohibits the media, or social media accounts, from "transmitting or allowing the transmission" of "false information" related to information or government orders about the COVID -19, as well as with other natural disasters. Violators of the law will face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to $ 5,000, if the fake news causes more than $ 10,000 in public property or damages physical property.

Dominican Republic

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists.

Trinidad and Tobago

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists.

Uruguay

The government did not impose formal restrictions on media and journalists.

Venezuela

The regime maintained strict restrictions on independent media and journalists as in pre-pandemic times. It increased controls on journalists and kept access to official sources on public health inaccessible.

Several journalists were arrested for reporting the pandemic, accused of public instigation. Given the fuel shortage, several media were restricted to buy fuel, even though the government had excluded them from that restriction.

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