Restriction on the exercise of journalism
On the morning of June 23, security guards and employees of the Press Office at the Isidro Menéndez Judicial Center restricted access and journalistic activities for several national media outlets. The restriction affected multiple outlets that routinely cover events at the public building.
According to statements from journalists present at the facility, the restrictions stem from «new security measures» announced on Friday, June 20. At that time, journalists were informed that in order to enter the Judicial Center, located in San Salvador, security guards would require authorization from the Press Office. Despite these new rules, members of the press were allowed access as usual that day.
However, on the morning of June 23, when journalists attempted to re-enter the Judicial Center, security guards informed them they had received orders from the Press Office not to allow entry. A journalist from La Prensa Gráfica contacted Press Office staff to request authorization, but the employees responded that they were not authorized to grant access and that the matter fell under the responsibility of the Security Department. They also said they would seek permission from Security, but have so far not responded or returned the journalists’ calls. The journalists remained outside the Judicial Center for a considerable time, waiting to be allowed entry. APES (the Association of Journalists of El Salvador) used official channels to request more information on why the institution changed its media access policy and is currently awaiting a response.
These restrictions come at a time when judicial proceedings of national and international interest are scheduled to take place, including the initial hearing against attorney Enrique Anaya, set for June 24, and the trial of former prosecutor Luis Martínez, also scheduled for that day.
In light of these events, APES reiterates its call to the security personnel and public employees of the Judicial Center to allow press access so that journalists can carry out their work covering matters of public interest. We stand in solidarity with the affected journalists and emphasize that this type of coverage has never before been prohibited. We urge the relevant authorities to grant national and international media access to these proceedings and to guarantee the free exercise of journalism within the facility.
