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South AmericaArgentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador French Guiana Paraguay Peru United Kingdom - Falkland Islands Uruguay Venezuela

South America

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From the Communiqué

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Colombia

FLIP report highlights illegal espionage as a major threat to press freedom

Illegal espionage is one of the most serious threats to press freedom in Colombia, says the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) in their 2009 report: "Interceptaciones y seguimientos ilegales: grave intimidación al periodismo colombiano" (Illegal wiretapping and monitoring: The severe intimidation of Colombian journalism).

Brazil

Radio studio destroyed in arson attack

A Brazilian radio station critical of local authorities had its studio burned down by two armed men on 8 February, report the Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism (ABRAJI) and ARTICLE 19.

Venezuela

TV stations shut down for refusing to air President's speeches

The Venezuelan government ordered cable networks to stop carrying six TV stations on 24 January after the stations failed to air speeches by President Hugo Chávez, report IFEX members. Protests have erupted over the recent press freedom violations.

Bolivia

Journalists attacked; media freedom deteriorates

Press freedom has deteriorated in Bolivia since President Evo Morales came to power in 2005; his insults against the media are often followed up with supporters assaulting journalists, alleges the International Press Institute (IPI). Morales's re-election on 6 December means opposition critics and journalists will continue to be under threat, reports IPI.

Argentina

Controversial new broadcast law

A new broadcast law passed on 10 October in Argentina has given the government wide discretionary powers to control the press, reports the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and the Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA). But the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) applauds the new legislation as a guarantee of diversity and pluralism.

Colombia

Reporter shot dead riding his motorcycle

A Colombian journalist was shot four times and killed on 22 September while riding his motorcycle to cover a story, report the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) and other IFEX members.

Campaigns and Advocacy

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Colombia

President Uribe to CPJ and FLIP, "Illegal spies are enemies of Colombia"

In a meeting with CPJ and FLIP, Uribe said that "those who restrict the freedom of a journalist must be fully prosecuted."

Brazil

First national conference on communications held in Brasilia

The conference brought together 1,684 delegates to discuss how to improve freedom of expression in the country.

Venezuela

IFJ says Chavez "war on media" is disastrous for democracy

At the end of a two-day visit, IFJ General Secretary Aidan White called on the government to end its campaign against independent journalism.

Bolivia

The government considers the press an enemy, says head of media freedom organisation

IPI interviewed media freedom campaigner Juan Javier Zeballos.

Venezuela

IPI completes press freedom mission to Venezuela

IPI conducted the mission to make an objective assessment of the current state of press freedom in the country.

Colombia

IAPA deplores delay in solving murder of journalist

Through ads published in newspapers throughout the western hemisphere, readers are invited to join the IAPA campaign "Let's Put an End to Impunity".