IAPA Midyear Meeting. April 23 - 24, 2026.
During the period under review, there were no serious or significant incidents affecting press freedom. Media outlets, journalists, and social media users were able to carry out their activities without major obstacles. This scenario took place in the context of the first year in office of President Yamandú Orsi, which began on March 1 and corresponds to the fourth term of a representative of the left-wing coalition Frente Amplio.
However, there were some isolated but concerning incidents that generated public concern and criticism. Among them, in November, a formal request by the Ministry of Education and Culture to the newspaper El País stands out, seeking the identity of a journalistic source, even though the law protects the confidentiality of sources. The request was not complied with, and the matter had no consequences.
Another incident occurred in January, when a journalist from El País was summoned by police to appear first at two police stations in the interior of the country and later in Montevideo, following a defamation complaint filed by a private individual at a police station.
Although the questioning was conducted respectfully, it was considered inappropriate, as the official who summoned the journalist had not read the article that prompted the summons. The police acted without prior notification to the corresponding prosecutor, as would have been required, and the Prosecutor’s Office quickly closed the case. However, it was concerning that both the Minister of the Interior, a former prosecutor, and high-ranking police authorities stated that the action fell within police powers, a position questioned by press freedom experts.
The Center for Archives and Access to Public Information (CAINFO) described the police summons as improper and concerning, stating that it “runs counter to international standards on freedom of expression” and that “actions such as summoning journalists over the content of their reporting may have a chilling effect on the practice of journalism and freedom of expression, fostering self-censorship and undermining the fundamental role of the press in a democratic society.” It also emphasized that the persecution or questioning of journalists for covering sensitive issues, including investigations involving the State, affects journalistic work and democracy, and contravenes the right to freedom of expression and the protection of professional secrecy.
The IAPA considered this incident to be serious, stating that it represented an unacceptable abuse of authority and highlighting the lack of response from senior government officials or the Ministry of the Interior. Most concerning, according to the IAPA, was that no relevant government figure acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, and that the Director of the National Police stated that “everything was perfectly fine.”
This issue was raised with President Yamandú Orsi by an international delegation from the IIAPA that visited Montevideo in April. Orsi expressed surprise and indicated that he believed the matter had already been resolved.
Subsequently, it was confirmed that the Ministry of the Interior issued an order instructing that “all police personnel, regardless of rank, who receive a complaint involving alleged criminal acts related to defamation and insult” must immediately refer it to the Office of the Attorney General, and that “the administrative authority shall refrain from taking voluntary statements from the accused party” at police stations. The measure represents a positive development, helping to clarify the situation and safeguard the country’s image regarding freedom of expression.
During an official event on April 6, President Orsi endorsed the IAPA’s statements of principles—the Declaration of Chapultepec and the Salta II Declaration—reaffirming his commitment to defending freedom of expression and of the press. The signing took place in Montevideo before an international IAPA delegation led by its First Vice President, Carlos Jornet, who described the gesture as a reflection of the country’s democratic climate and coexistence, as well as its importance in strengthening these principles in the region.
Following the signing, Orsi noted that adherence to these instruments represents not only an honor but also a responsibility, emphasizing that freedom of expression is a fundamental pillar of democracy. In this regard, he underscored the importance of preserving respect, dialogue, and consensus-building in the face of current challenges such as disinformation and polarization.
The IAPA delegation also met with Attorney General Mónica Ferrero to discuss the state of press freedom and to express concern over recent developments that could affect journalistic work. During the meeting, both parties agreed on the need to strengthen institutional capacities to confront organized crime, as well as to ensure the protection of journalists and respect for international standards.
