Critics Are Not Criminals

“Freedom of expression in all its forms and manifestations is a fundamental and inalienable right of all individuals. Additionally, it is an indispensable requirement for the very existence of a democratic society.”

–Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Principles of Freedom of Expression.

Journalists in Americas
face legal risk

Criminal defamation prosecutions are still widespread throughout the Americas. A total of 32 out of 33 countries in the hemisphere maintain criminal penalties for defamation.

• No journalists jailed in Americas in 2015
• Correa’s assault on regional human rights
• En español

A Regional Consensus

Courts and legislatures throughout the Americas have increasingly found that defamation should be a civil, not criminal, matter.

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From CPJ’s Archives

In special reports, blog posts, and protest letters, CPJ has denounced criminal defamation as a tool to silence critical coverage.

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Resource Center

Freedom of expression groups are fighting against the criminalization of speech. Look here for background and contact information.

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Get Involved

You can make a difference by raising awareness and identifying attacks on free expression. Join our Twitter campaign.

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