WHEREAS press freedom continues to be constrained by legal restrictions, digital censorship, harassment, and actions by security agencies, despite recent releases from detention, dismissals of charges, and partial unblocking of media outlets
WHEREAS press freedom continues to be constrained by legal restrictions, digital censorship, harassment, and actions by security agencies, despite recent releases from detention, dismissals of charges, and partial unblocking of media outlets
WHEREAS, following the capture and removal of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, the political landscape changed and opportunities for dialogue emerged, including discussions on reviewing restrictions on freedom of expression
WHEREAS, intelligence and security structures used to intimidate, detain, and obstruct journalists remain in place, along with laws that criminalize dissent and independent journalism
WHEREAS, dialogue between representatives of the ruling party and the opposition includes commitments to lift blocks, review the legal framework and radio spectrum regulations, and these commitments must be translated into verifiable and lasting guarantees
WHEREAS journalists and media outlets continue to face assaults, threats, surveillance, and restrictions on access to sources and coverage of events of public interest, a situation that worsened during coverage of the June 24 earthquakes, which left thousands of victims and caused extensive damage
WHEREAS, progress in releases from detention, dismissals of charges, and the unblocking of media outlets remains insufficient as long as legal proceedings against journalists continue, news websites remain blocked, restrictive laws remain in force, and confiscated property and broadcast frequencies are not restored
WHEREAS, restoring press freedom requires binding legal reforms, unrestricted access to public information, and effective safeguards against the persecution of journalists
WHEREAS the Declaration of Chapultepec states that there are no free people or societies without freedom of expression and of the press and that “the exercise of this freedom is not something authorities grant, it is an inalienable right of the people.”
THE 82nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE IAPA RESOLVES
To demand the full and permanent restoration of freedom of the press and expression and an end to harassment, intimidation, surveillance, and persecution targeting journalists and media outlets
To demand the complete and permanent unblocking of media outlets and digital platforms, the reform or repeal of laws that criminalize journalism, and the termination of judicial proceedings against journalists for carrying out their professional duties
To demand the return of equipment, property, and radio and television broadcast frequencies arbitrarily confiscated, as well as guarantee that journalists can access official sources, public institutions, and emergency areas
To recognize the progress made by urging the authorities to consolidate these gains through legal reforms, institutional decisions, and lasting guarantees.
