GUATEMALA
Report to the Midyear Meeting
Quito, Ecuador


The environment for freedom of the press has continued to be relatively calm during the past six months, and only isolated threats against some correspondents in the provinces have been reported.

In the legislative realm, President Oscar Berger approved a government agreement in favor of the free access to public information (for both citizens and journalists), but in practice this has barely functioned. Moreover, the measure does not establish sanctions against those officials who do not adhere to the obligation to give information. Also, the time limits within which to provide the solicited information are too flexible.

Meanwhile, in the Congress, a more comprehensive Freedom of Information Act that could improve the flow of information for the public and the press has still not been brought to discussion. In the legislative branch, another package of reforms to the Electoral Law, including a proposed limitation on the publication of polls during electoral campaigns, is also still waiting to be discussed. This measure would contravene constitutional principles on freedom of press and freedom of expression.

Among threats reported are those against correspondents Francisco Revolorio (Prensa Libre) and Dermin Revolorio (Nuestro Diario), who have received threats over the telephone and have been followed by unknown armed men after reporting on the capture of an organized crime gang that operated in Retalhuleu in the south of the country. Both correspondents filed the appropriate reports with the Public Ministry, but they complain that no investigation has been made and that they have not been offered protection.

In press institutions and in some newsrooms, there have been reports of threats, almost always made by telephone, against journalists and correspondents. However, in the majority of these cases, dossiers have not been opened and complaints have not even been filed with the authorities.

A problem that has begun to manifest itself recently is that of the so-called communitarian radios, which have faced conflicts with radio entities and businesses. Many of the former have been shut down because of alleged irregularities or legal technicalities. In the face of these actions, the communitarian stations charge violation of freedom of expression.

The Organization of American States relator of press freedom intervened in the issue last year and proposes dialogue to reach a negotiated solution to the problem.

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58th IAPA General Assembly
JW Marriott Hotel & Stellaris Casino
Lima, Peru
October 26-29, 2002