Brazil press gathering says violence, authoritarian governments threaten Latin American media

SAO PAULO – The Inter American Press Association says violence and authoritarian governments are the main problems independent press outlets face in Latin America.

A statement with the conclusions of the organization’s 68th General Assembly that ended Tuesday in Sao Paulo, Brazil says: “violence against the physical integrity of journalists and a growing intolerance of authoritarian governments constitute the primary problems that face the independent press today on the continent.”

It says that in the past six months 13 journalists have been murdered in Mexico, Honduras, Brazil, and Ecuador “for the simple fact that they were doing their work.”

It criticizes the presidents of Venezuela, Argentina and Ecuador for “trying to silence” independent journalism in their countries.