Bolivia

New York, December 18, 2008—For the sixth consecutive year, Iraq was the deadliest country in the world for the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists found in its end-of-year analysis. The 11 deaths recorded in Iraq in 2008, while a sharp drop from prior years, remained among the highest annual tolls in CPJ history.

New York, September 19, 2008—With the rise of violent attacks and threats against journalists covering civil unrest in different regions of Bolivia this week, the Committee to Protect Journalists called on national and provincial authorities today to ensure that all media can report the news freely.  

At least 18 people have been killed and dozens injured over the last week. Antigovernment protests erupted as opposition groups demanded a larger share in the nation’s gas profits and greater autonomy. The groups also oppose a constitutional reform, according to international and local news reports. President Evo Morales and opposition governors began talks on Thursday in an attempt to defuse the serious political crisis.

New York, November 27, 2007—At least five journalists were beaten by police on Sunday in Bolivia while covering antigovernment protests in which four people were killed and hundreds were injured. The violence occurred in the city of Sucre during protests against the government’s efforts to approve a new constitution, according to international news reports. Violence also flared on Monday in La Paz, where supporters of President Evo Morales harassed journalists and attacked media outlets.

Class and ethnic tensions stir antagonism between the Morales administration and the press. As a new constitution is being written, fears emerge that the media could face new restrictions.

Carlos Lauría discusses the backstroy of this special report

A CPJ delegation visited Bolivia from June 3 to 8 to examine press freedom conditions. The delegation included Josh Friedman, a CPJ board member and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, and Carlos Lauría, senior coordinator for CPJ's Americas program. The delegation met with President Evo Morales, Vice President Álvaro García Linera, senior government officials, journalists, editors, media executives, and human rights activists in the capital, La Paz, and in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. During meetings with CPJ, members of the local press expressed concern about the government's plans to redraft the constitution. This report was compiled from numerous interviews conducted during the delegation's mission, from research done by CPJ staff, and from subsequent telephone interviews.

• Ensure that proposed reforms to the constitution do not include provisions that will restrict freedom of the press.


• Guarantee that the new constitution will strengthen freedom of expression. 


• Show greater tolerance of criticism in the media by refraining from labeling critics as "enemies."


• Persuade social groups that support the government to stop harassing and attacking journalists that cover street protests.    


• Ensure that state media will provide Bolivians the right to plural and impartial information rather than serving the interests of your administration by transmitting official propaganda.