Miami (February 5, 2026) – The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) welcomes the approval by Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly of the elimination of prison sentences for journalists convicted of libel and slander, a decision that represents a significant step forward in protecting freedom of the press and expression in the country.
On February 3, the Assembly unanimously approved, in a second reading, the repeal of Articles 7 and 8 of the Press Law, which had established prison sentences of up to 120 days for journalists for the crimes of slander, libel, and for the publication of content deemed subversive, according to press reports.
The bill entitled “Law for Freedom in the Practice of Journalism. Repeal of Articles 7 and 8 of the Press Law, Law No. 32” was approved by the Legislature and is now awaiting the signature of the President and its official publication in order to enter into force, according to local media.
Pierre Manigault, president of the IAPA, stated that “the repeal of criminal sanctions for these types of offenses is consistent with inter-American and international human rights standards, which warn that the use of criminal law to punish expressions on matters of public interest has a chilling effect on journalism and democratic debate.”
Manigault, Chairman at Evening Post Publishing Inc., based in Charleston, South Carolina, United States, added that “eliminating prison sentences for libel and slander is a fundamental step to ensure that journalists can investigate, report, and express opinions without fear of criminal retaliation.”
For her part, Martha Ramos, chair of the IAPA’s Committee on Freedom of the Press and Information, said that “Costa Rica once again sends a clear signal of its historic commitment to freedom of expression and the strengthening of democracy.”
Ramos, editorial director of Organización Editorial Mexicana (OEM), added that “eliminating prison sentences promotes greater openness in the flow of information and reduces self-censorship among journalists and media outlets,” and urged the Executive Branch “to sign the measure so it can promptly enter into force.”
There is growing consensus among international organizations, as well as jurisprudence within the inter-American human rights system, that civil laws provide sufficient redress for so-called press offenses.
Finally, the organization urged other countries in the region to follow Costa Rica’s example and to review their legislation to eliminate criminal provisions that may be used to censor, intimidate, or silence journalists and media outlets.
Costa Rica’s Institute for Press and Freedom of Expression (IPLEX, by its English acronym) considered that this reform “represents the definitive step toward a model in which responsibilities arising from journalistic practice are addressed in the civil, rather than criminal, arena, in line with international standards.”
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.