The Salvadoran Journalists’ Association (APES) expresses its deep concern at the growing deterioration of respect for human rights in the country, particularly with regard to freedom of the press and the practice of journalism.
In recent weeks, we have documented the forced displacement of approximately 40 journalists from the country, following multiple cases of harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary restrictions against journalists and media outlets. This record does not include other individuals or critical spokespersons who also decided to leave the country due to the climate of fear and persecution. These actions not only represent an attack on freedom of expression but also violate fundamental principles of a democratic state governed by the rule of law.
These journalists from various media outlets have produced relevant work on human rights abuses, transparency, and other issues affecting El Salvador. The mass exodus of these colleagues leaves a climate of heightened fear in El Salvador and provokes a humanitarian crisis for many families who fear for these journalists, as many of them cannot return.
APES reiterates that free and critical journalism is an essential pillar for transparency, accountability, and the defense of citizens’ rights. No government or institution should use its power to silence voices, persecute journalists and human rights defenders, or limit access to information.
The most worrying aspect of this case is that there are strong indications that the State maintains specific surveillance lists, intimidation lists, and even arrests of human rights defenders and journalists. Regarding the alert about the arrest of journalists from El Faro, the government has not responded by denying the report or offering guarantees that the press is not being criminalized.
Some of the reported cases of journalists who have left the country involve the participation of police officers with intimidating attitudes and the use of blatant lies to obtain information.
APES warns that these types of strategies follow the same pattern as those used to arrest human rights defenders and critics, such as the case of lawyers Ruth López and Enrique Anaya. APES is committed to providing a detailed report on the threats suffered by journalists who have left the country in the coming weeks.
We urgently call on the Salvadoran authorities to cease all practices that threaten journalistic work and to guarantee full respect for the human rights of media workers. We also urge the international community, human rights organizations, and press freedom advocates to remain vigilant and supportive in the face of this situation.
APES reaffirms its commitment to defending journalism and will continue to denounce any action that violates the right to inform and to be informed.
San Salvador, June 13th 2025.
