Subcommittee Hearing: Threats to Press Freedom in the Americas

Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere | 2172 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515 | Jul 29, 2015 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Chairman Duncan on the hearing: "The ability to speak openly without censure or fear of reprisal is a hallmark of free peoples everywhere, and freedom of the press is critical to sustaining democracy and the rule of law. Journalists provide needed accountability for governments by challenging conventional thinking, reporting on different and often opposing viewpoints, and offering people information that informs their understanding of issues. In short, freedom of the press is essential to enabling people to remain free from state, and in some cases non-state, control or oppression. In the Western Hemisphere, the growing trend of conditioning or even curtailing press freedoms is deeply disturbing. From severe government repression and outright targeting of journalists by Cuba, Venezuela, and Ecuador to organized crime, corruption, and impunity in other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, journalists have very difficult jobs, often risking their very lives and their loved-ones to bring information and the truth to their fellow citizens. This hearing will examine the state of freedom of expression in the Americas, paying particular attention to challenges to press liberties, and I look forward to considering how the U.S. can better engage in the region to more effectively promote press freedoms and defend every persons right to freely express themselves."