Catalina Botero warns about the crisis of freedom of expression in Latin America.

In a recent interview with Ecuadorenvivo.com, Catalina Botero, former Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, offers a critical view of the human rights situation, particularly freedom of expression, in several Latin American countries. As the region faces a common enemy—the drug trade and its interconnection with politics—Botero highlights the negative impact these dynamics have on democracy and press freedom. The Colombian jurist expresses her concern about what is happening in nations such as Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, El Salvador, Mexico, and Colombia. In her analysis, Catalina points out that while some countries like Uruguay shine for their commitment to freedom of expression, others face alarming challenges. The situation in Uruguay is described as a model to follow, where society values this fundamental right and there exists a pluralistic system that allows for debate among various ideologies. However, the outlook becomes grim in other countries. In Argentina, the rise to power of Javier Milei has raised concerns, as the president has begun to stigmatize the media, undermining one of the essential pillars of democracy: freedom of expression. This attitude, according to Botero, can lead to a hostile atmosphere towards those who exercise criticism, a trend that is also observed in other countries in the region. Ecuador, in particular, has been the subject of thorough analysis by Botero. She recalled the assassination of journalist Fernando Villavicencio as a clear indicator of the dangers faced by those engaged in journalism in the country. The former Rapporteur pointed out that the legacy of Rafael Correa's government marked a low point in the protection of freedom of expression, and significant threats that limit this freedom still persist. The situation is also alarming in Peru, where the context of corruption has led to the judicialization of journalists who have exposed key cases, such as Lava Jato. The creation of fake websites to criminalize these professionals is a clear example of the war being waged against a free press in the country. Botero underscores the bravery of Peruvian journalists and the need to support their work in an adverse environment. In contrast, Guatemala has shown a positive shift under the administration of Bernardo Arévalo. Botero celebrates the advances in restoring freedom of expression, highlighting a recent case in which a journalist was exonerated from unfounded accusations. This revitalization of the media environment in Guatemala is seen as a sign of hope amid a region marked by repression. Regarding Mexico, the situation is equally concerning, with a growing stigmatization of journalists and a notable increase in the murders of communicators. Botero emphasizes that this context not only puts journalists at risk but also undermines the quality of democracy in the country. The relationship between the government and the media is tense, and the lack of strong support for press freedom is a critical concern. Colombia presents a more nuanced case. Although President Gustavo Petro's relationship with the media has been problematic, Botero observes an independence of the judiciary that still protects freedom of expression. Nevertheless, the jurist urges Petro to be cautious in his comments about the press, emphasizing the need for political discourse that supports journalistic work, even when it criticizes those in power. In her analysis, Botero does not hesitate to qualify drug trafficking and organized crime as some of the most serious threats to democracy in Latin America. She advocates for the implementation of transnational security programs that prioritize the protection of freedom of expression and journalistic work. She proposes the creation of robust protection systems for journalists, accompanied by a legal framework that guarantees their safety and respect for their work. Finally, Catalina Botero calls on the international community not to forget the Venezuelan civil society, appealing to the collective responsibility to amplify their messages in international forums and the press. The defender of freedom of expression emphasizes that it is crucial to maintain attention on the difficult situation in Venezuela, where the bravery of its citizens deserves recognition and support from the rest of the region. In a context where freedom of expression faces constant challenges, Botero highlights the importance of solidarity and collective action to protect fundamental rights in Latin America.