According to the APES president, there have been 26 press violations in the electoral context, reflecting an increase in the number of cases compared to previous elections.
The Association of Journalists of El Salvador (APES) expressed concern about the increase in press violations in the electoral context and the danger of informants at risk of attack or intimidation.
On Friday, a crowd accompanying the candidate for mayor of Santa Tecla for new ideas, Henry Flores, harassed an El Diario de Hoy journalist outside the headquarters of the Attorney General’s office. Another radio journalist denounced that he was harassed a few weeks ago by another crowd accompanying the same official candidate.
Angélica Cárcamo, president of APES, said the pre-election context is worrying as attacks on journalists have increased.
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“We do not rule out the possibility that there could be an electoral climate towards the press that could lead not only to verbal threats or restrictions on journalism, but also the possible consequences of physical harm or damage to the work team,” said Cárcamo.
“We have a total of 26 attacks against the press from November 17, 2020 to February 17, 2021, perpetrated by government officials, from people from ministries, public institutions, heads of trust who have committed to stigmatizing the press.” , He added.
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Of the 26 registered violations, seven consist of blocking access to public information, six of restrictions on journalism, four of stigmatizing statements, four of digital harassment, two of verbal threats, one with life-threatening, one with deprivation of liberty and one with intimidation.
The registry also indicates that the victims are 12 women and nine men.